explain me how to vs explain to me how to

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Explain to me how to' is the more common and natural way to phrase this request. 'Explain me how to' is less common and may sound awkward to some native English speakers.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1180 views

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"explain me how to"

This phrase is less common and may sound awkward to some native English speakers. It is more common to use 'explain to me how to' instead.

Show examples from the web [+]

Explain to me how to narrow down this list.
Society won't explain to me How to make a man of him
Perhaps you could explain to me how you intend to distract the queen from her war to issue these pardons.
I'm only a young girl, new to the ways of war, but perhaps a seasoned captain like yourself can explain to me how you propose to defeat us.
Rose, explain to me how this could've happened.
Rose, explain to me how this could have happened.
Explain to me how that is a good idea.
And please explain to me how you live with this one.
You explain to me how that was fair.
Later on you can explain to me how that's a comfort.
Let me explain to you how this works.
Well, then explain to me how a putt-putt golf company operates.
Explain to me how lying' helps him.
Explain to me how any version of that is natural.
Explain to me how we come up on 22 bodies.
Let me explain to you how this works.
Maybe you'd like to explain to me how your fingerprints ended up on this discarded gas can right by the crime scene.
You explain to me how he pays the hospital bill in full... 27 grand cash.
Please explain to me how three patients could just get up and walk out of here right under your nose.
Yes, but you have to explain to me how this is possible.

Alternatives:

explain to me how to
tell me how to explain
teach me how to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"explain to me how to"

This is the more common and natural way to phrase a request for an explanation. It is widely used in everyday English.

Show examples from the web [+]

Explain to me how to narrow down this list.
Society won't explain to me How to make a man of him
Under penalty of court martial, I order you to explain to me how you were able to beam aboard this ship while moving at warp.
Perhaps you could explain to me how you intend to distract the queen from her war to issue these pardons.
I want you to explain to me how you get to be where you are and I end up living in a cabin like a hermit... trying to put my life back together.
Maybe you'd like to explain to me how your fingerprints ended up on this discarded gas can right by the crime scene.
Yes, but you have to explain to me how this is possible.
You've got 60 seconds to explain to me how a flower could possibly grow in a vacuum.
Well, I'd do it, but somebody needs to explain to me how the whole thing works.
You have to explain to me how this happened.
So explain to me how we're going to get him out of here.
Explain to me how your friends manage to stow bottles in the pod.
But I do need you to explain to me how one of your rounds ended up being used in a homicide.
Would you like to explain to me how the kidnappers knew to give him his medication?
I'm only a young girl, new to the ways of war, but perhaps a seasoned captain like yourself can explain to me how you propose to defeat us.
Perhaps you could explain to me how Loony Lin managed to escape from the confines of Scotland Yard under the watch of the most respected police force in the world.
You are here just in time to explain to me how it's possible that a trapdoor could be in the top of that gazebo.
Okay, mama, can you please explain to me how you going to New Orleans with Garrett is taking it slow?
You want to explain to me how we suddenly arrived at this crucial crux kind of a zenith pinnacle moment?
You want to explain to me how this makes any sense?

Alternatives:

tell me how to explain
teach me how to

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explain me how to vs explain to me how to

"explain me how to"

"explain to me how to"

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