i Register
In some senses, explain is marked as obsolete. Watch for register when choosing this word.
ADV
in detail
The teacher explained the math problem in detail so all the students could understand it.
fully
The teacher fully explained the new grammar rule so everyone could understand it clearly.
adequately, properly, satisfactorily
partly
The stress of moving partly explains why she felt so tired last week.
briefly
easily, readily
The teacher readily explained the difficult math problem to the confused students.
clearly | carefully
patiently
The teacher patiently explained the math problem until all the students understood it.
earnestly
concisely, succinctly, tersely
The teacher explained succinctly how photosynthesis works so all the students could understand.
awkwardly, lamely | breathlessly, excitedly
VERB + EXPLAIN
be able/unable to, can/could
The teacher asked why he hadn't finished his homework, but he couldn't explain his reasons.
attempt to, seek to, try to | help (to)
purport to
This new diet claims to explain why people gain weight so quickly.
be difficult to, be hard to
Why the old computer broke down was hard to explain to my grandmother.
hasten to
He noticed her confused expression and hastened to explain the new company policy.
let sb
Let me explain how to use this new software before you start working on it.
PREP
about
The teacher spent time explaining about photosynthesis to help the students understand the process.
to
The teacher explained the difficult math problem to the class yesterday.
PHRASES
explain everything
The instruction manual explains everything you need to know about setting up your new printer.
go a long way/some way towards explaining sth
Their difficult childhood went a long way towards explaining their fear of commitment in relationships.