explain
explain — verb
1. to give someone the information they need to understand something — for example,
to give someone the information they need to understand something — for example, describing how a machine runs, why the sky looks blue, or what a new word means.
The mechanic explained to Haruto how the brake system works.
explain + to + person + wh-clause
Sari explained that the computer had frozen because of a software error.
explain + that-clause for stating a reason
Could you explain what this short sentence means in simpler words?
The librarian explained the rules of the book club to the new members.
Ryan took a deep breath and explained his plan to the team.
- clarify
more formal; suggests making something that was already mentioned less confusing
- describe
focuses on giving details of appearance or experience, not necessarily making something understandable
- demonstrate
usually involves showing how something works through action, not just words
文法句型
explain + noun phrase
explain + that-clause
explain + wh-clause
explain + noun phrase + to + person
用法筆記
Frequently transitive, but can be used intransitively when the object is clear from context (e.g. 'Let me explain'). The personal recipient always follows 'to' — never 'explain someone something'.
常見錯誤
2. to say why you did something, so that people who are upset or disappointed can u
to say why you did something, so that people who are upset or disappointed can understand your point of view.
Lakshmi had to explain to her manager why the report was late.
explain + why + to + person
Brandon explained that the bus broke down, so he missed the first hour of class.
explain + that-clause for giving an excuse
The children had to explain themselves after the kitchen table was covered in paint.
Gabriela explained her decision to leave the project early.
- justify
stronger; suggests proving something was right, not just explaining it
- account for
slightly formal; focuses on covering all the facts so nothing is unexplained
- excuse
implies hoping to be forgiven, not just understood
文法句型
explain + noun phrase
explain + that-clause
explain + wh-clause
explain + yourself
用法筆記
Subject is always a person. The reflexive form 'explain yourself' is common when someone's behaviour seems unreasonable. Frequently contrasted with 'excuse' — explaining gives reasons; excusing asks for forgiveness.
常見錯誤
3. to serve as the reason that makes a situation understandable — for example, when
to serve as the reason that makes a situation understandable — for example, when a lack of sleep explains why someone is irritable, or rain explains why the streets are wet.
The heavy snowfall explains why the airport had to close.
explain + why-clause with impersonal subject
A high fever explained why the little girl had been so quiet all morning.
Part of the delay was explained by a problem with the visa application.
Nala's strong performance in the final race explains why she won the gold medal.
Nothing can explain the damage that was done to the painting.
- account for
directly overlapping; more common in formal writing
- justify
implies moral correctness; 'explain' is neutral — the reason can be negative
- indicate
suggests the reason points to something without fully explaining it
文法句型
explain + noun phrase
explain + that-clause
explain + wh-clause
passive: be explained by + noun phrase
用法筆記
Subject is usually an impersonal cause (event, fact, situation, result), not a person. Common in academic and formal writing. Frequently passive ('be explained by'). This sense does NOT take a human recipient with 'to'.