explain
/ɪkˈspleɪn/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪkˈspleɪn/ (ame, ipa) · /ik-ˈsplān/ (ame, mw)
explain — verb
- explainpresent simple I / you / we / they
- explainshe / she / it
- explainedpast simple
- explaining-ing form
1. to tell someone about something in a way that helps them understand it clearly.
to tell someone about something in a way that helps them understand it clearly.
Wei Chen explained the new parking rules to the staff before the meeting.
explain + noun phrase + to + person
Amara explained that the pharmacy closes at eight on weekdays.
explain + that-clause
Can you explain how to fill out this visa application form?
Dr. Patel's chart explains why the patient's fever keeps returning.
The librarian explained the borrowing rules to the new students.
- clarify
more formal; focuses on removing confusion rather than describing a whole topic
- illustrate
means to explain by giving examples or pictures; more specific
- define
narrower — gives the exact meaning of a single word or concept
文法句型
explain + noun phrase + to + person
explain + that-clause
explain + wh-word + clause
explain (intransitive)
用法筆記
The person being told is introduced by 'to'. 'Explain me the problem' is incorrect — use 'explain the problem to me'. Frequently used with question words (how, why, what, where).
常見錯誤
2. to give reasons for something you have said or done, especially when other peopl
to give reasons for something you have said or done, especially when other people think it was wrong.
Kwame had to explain why he missed three days of work without calling.
explain + why + clause for justification
Yuki explained herself to the manager after the mistake in the accounts.
explain + reflexive pronoun
How do you explain spending the company's money on personal items?
João could not explain his sudden anger toward the new colleague.
The boy tried to explain his side of the story to his parents.
- justify
more formal; focuses on proving that the action was right
- account for
suggests explaining in detail, often in a report or official context
- defend
stronger; suggests arguing against an accusation
- accuse
to say someone has done wrong — opposite of defending your actions
文法句型
explain + reflexive pronoun
explain + why + clause
explain + noun phrase (of personal action)
用法筆記
Often used with a reflexive pronoun (explain yourself, explain themselves). This sense carries a defensive tone — you are justifying, not simply informing.
常見錯誤
3. to be the reason why something happens or why someone behaves in a particular wa
to be the reason why something happens or why someone behaves in a particular way.
The heavy rain explains why the outdoor concert was cancelled.
subject is a situation, not a person
That explains the strange noise we heard in the basement last night.
Her nervous talkativeness is explained by the years she spent living alone.
Nothing can explain why someone would harm a defenceless animal.
The traffic on the highway explains why Ingrid arrived an hour late.
- account for
more formal; often used in reports or science
- justify
stronger implication that the reason is sufficient and morally acceptable
文法句型
fact/event + explains + noun phrase
fact/event + explains + why + clause
noun phrase + is explained by + noun phrase (passive)
用法筆記
Subject is usually a fact, event, situation or condition — not a person. Rarely used in the imperative with this meaning. Distinguish from sense 1: in this sense, nothing is being communicated to anyone; a cause simply accounts for an effect.