self-explaining vs self-explanatory

Both "self-explaining" and "self-explanatory" are correct, but "self-explanatory" is the more commonly used and accepted phrase in English. They both convey the idea that something is easy to understand without needing further explanation.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 1511 views

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"self-explaining"

This phrase means that something is able to explain itself or is easy to understand without additional explanation.

Show examples from the web [+]

Image resolution should be pretty self-explaining.
File type should be also self-explaining. Just select Bitmap, Jpeg or Gif.
We tried at making each page self-explaining.
Each Water Timer T 1030 plus is programmed through the large, easy-to-use rotary knobs. It is easy and nearly self-explaining.
The software is clear, self-explaining, customer-friendly, simple to use, and still offers all the options for operating and monitoring car park systems.
Have also a look at Select Same Type and Select Same Color. Same Color should be pretty self-explaining and really doesn't do anything else than selecting all the parts of the same color.
The Name, Email entries are self explaining. Nickname is the nick of the user and acts as an unique identifier.
Case-sensitive tags and attributes: self explaining, usually true for XML language variants
The settings are more or less self explaining. There is a space between ' - preset 'and'extreme'.
The applicant shall provide a copy of the written social policy duly signed by staff and self-declaration explaining how the above requirements are met.
Does the Commission intend to draw up a set of guidelines clearly explaining how self-employed drivers are to implement the measures l out in the directive?

Alternatives:

self-explanatory

This phrase is the more commonly used and accepted form in English.

"self-explanatory"

This phrase means that something is easy to understand without needing further explanation.

Show examples from the web [+]

Install SpyHunter Anti-Spyware Program using its easy and self-explanatory Installation Wizard
Thanks to our usability concept, which we have optimized over the years, operation of your video security system is simple and self-explanatory.
Yes, because the accompanying animation explains the procedures without words in a self-explanatory way.
Through self-explanatory, WVIXTEST is meant to be used only by a trained technician, not by the end user.
In order to download worldwide within seconds the program is self-explanatory and compact. No installation is required, the computer is not modified.
This is a technical correction, self-explanatory.
Broadening of scope - the list is self-explanatory.
Today's competition is pretty self-explanatory.
This self-explanatory option is enabled when a layer group exists.
I think this is definitely self-explanatory.
It's pretty self-explanatory, Monica.
It's pretty self-explanatory, really.
Vladov the Impaler - the nickname is self-explanatory.
I think the film's pretty self-explanatory.
I think it's pretty self-explanatory.
This guarantee was self-explanatory and legal.
The second part is self-explanatory: practices involving organised torture must be made public.
The amendment as a whole is self-explanatory.
The second part of the amendment is self-explanatory.
In other respects the amendment is self-explanatory.

Alternatives:

self-explaining

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self-explaining vs self-explanatory

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