explain  

To explain something is to give information, instruction, a description, or a reason.

• The teacher explained how to form the present perfect tense.
• The coach explained the rules of volleyball during a gym class.
• An expert on the subject of American politics explained how the electoral college works.
• This report explains why the city needs to create more public transportation options.
• Isabel asked her daughter to explain why she was out so late last night.
• The boy’s sudden illness explains why he wasn’t in school yesterday.

The teacher is explaining the process of recycling.

The word "explanation" is a noun:

• Todd offered an explanation for his poor performance at work, but his supervisor remains unconvinced.
• Our professor provided an explanation on the subject of existentialism.
• The mother gave her children a simple explanation regarding where babies come from.

Here are some different ways you can request an explanation:

• Can you explain how this works, please?
• Would you mind giving an explanation?
• I would like an explanation.
• This requires an explanation.
• You have some explaining to do.
• I demand an explanation. (You can say this when you are angry about something; otherwise, it sounds rude.)

Date of publication: December 5, 2016