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explain it for me vs explain it to me

Both "explain it for me" and "explain it to me" are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Explain it to me" is the more common and idiomatic phrase, indicating that the speaker wants the information or concept to be clarified or made understandable. On the other hand, "explain it for me" can be used when asking someone to provide an explanation on one's behalf or to benefit oneself.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1209 views

explain it for me

This phrase is correct and can be used when asking someone to provide an explanation on one's behalf or to benefit oneself.

This phrase is used when requesting an explanation from someone for one's own understanding or benefit.

Examples:

  • Can you explain it for me? I'm having trouble understanding the concept.
  • I don't quite get it. Could you explain it for me, please?
  • back then I didn't even know how bittorrent worked, I had someone explain it for me, and OK, we'll do that - so
  • You think pregnancy would explain - it explains the marriage.
  • - I seriously cannot explain it.
  • Timing of DiNozzo's mission could explain it.
  • The Doctor couIdn't explain it.
  • We cannot explain it to our children and nor can we explain it to the animal.
  • I cannot explain it, you cannot explain it.
  • She wrote this note to explain it to you.
  • You're about to explain it to the school board.
  • Let me explain it to you in simple geometry.
  • This is so delicious, I can't even explain it.
  • I'll explain it to you later.
  • I tried to explain it to him, mama.
  • But something was happening, and I couldn't explain it.
  • His papers I found over there explain it all.
  • Okay, see, that explains it.
  • I guess he'll explain it.
  • Maybe I didn't explain it earlier.
  • I wish I could explain it.
  • I need Morgan Freeman to explain it to me.

Alternatives:

  • Can you explain it to me?
  • Can you clarify it for me?
  • Can you make it clear for me?
  • Can you shed some light on it for me?
  • Can you break it down for me?

explain it to me

This phrase is correct and more commonly used to request clarification or understanding of a concept or information.

This phrase is used when asking someone to clarify or make understandable a concept or information.

Examples:

  • Could you explain it to me? I'm not sure I understand.
  • I need you to explain it to me in simpler terms.
  • Maybe there's someone at Harvard University who could explain it to me.
  • You'll have to explain it to me.
  • Then explain it to me until I do.
  • I'm not saying I don't believe you, but explain it to me.
  • No, I'll never understand that, so don't try to explain it to me.
  • Well, you go ahead, and when you're back, you can explain it to me.
  • Wait, why don't you try and explain it to me?
  • And there wasn't really a teacher who cared to explain it to me.
  • - Then it explain it to me, because, Justin, this morning, you said that you were fine and you seemed to be dealing with this.
  • I need Morgan Freeman to explain it to me.
  • I was hoping you could explain it to me.
  • Then let Elliot explain it to me.
  • If Paul's painting meant something, maybe those guys could explain it to me.
  • Maybe the people you've been lying to could explain it to me.
  • Please don't explain it to me...
  • Okay, explain it to me.
  • So, Tommy, explain it to me.
  • And when you're back, you can explain it to me.
  • So, maybe you can explain it to me.
  • And because I'm a woman, he had to explain it to me so many times so that I could understand.

Alternatives:

  • Explain it for me
  • Clarify it for me
  • Make it clear for me
  • Shed some light on it for me
  • Break it down for me

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