Explain means make something clear by giving information or reasons.
The idea
Say explain the word, explain the word to me or explain why it is wrong. A recipient can follow the thing with to.
Examples
- Please explain the word to me.
- She explains the decision clearly.
- The teacher explained why the answer was wrong.
- Can you explain the plan?
- We explained the result to the team.
- The report explains the reasons for the delay.
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Watch out
Do not use the indirect-plus-direct-object pattern explain me the word; say explain the word to me.
Try it yourself
Choose the preposition before the person receiving the explanation. Please explain the word ___ me. (to / under)
Show answer or example answer
to
To introduces the person receiving the explanation.
Choose the present form with she. She ___ the decision clearly. (explain / explains)
Show answer or example answer
explains
Explains agrees with she in the present.
Choose the question word introducing the reason. The teacher explained ___ the answer was wrong. (why / where)
Show answer or example answer
why
Why introduces the reason being explained.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the preposition before the person receiving the explanation. Please explain the word ___ me. (to / under)
Choose the present form with she. She ___ the decision clearly. (explain / explains)
Choose the question word introducing the reason. The teacher explained ___ the answer was wrong. (why / where)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Ask someone to explain a word and explain a decision to a friend.