That explains vs This explains

Both phrases are correct, but 'That explains' refers to something previously mentioned or further away in time or space, and 'This explains' refers to something that is currently being discussed or closer in time or space.

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 11, 2025 • 5426 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"That explains "

Use 'that explains' when referring to something previously mentioned or further away in time or space.

Examples:

I didn't understand the concept at first, but that explains it perfectly.

Show examples from the web [+]

That explains The Adventures of Chuckleberry Flynn.
That explains the eight-year break between attacks.
That explains the extra fingerprints we found.
That explains the honey but not the death.
That explains why you were so distraught when you found your lover dead.
That explains the chronitons I am detecting in here now.
That explains your interest in ancient weapons.
That explains the bank's clientele.
That explains the complete lack of ballistics.
That explains why my head still hurts.
That explains Andy's needle tracks.
That explains how he evaded police.
That explains Joshua's offshore accounts.
That explains the cries of help we heard from the girls.
That explains the beautiful smile I have.
That explains the need for implants.
That explains the nickel in the scratch marks we found in his throat.
That explains the bouts of pain.
That explains why Dodge's moustache is starting to come in already.
That explains why he was overcompensating when describing their relationship.

Alternatives:

this clarifies
that elucidates
that sheds light on
that provides an explanation for
that gives insight into

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"This explains "

Use 'this explains' when referring to something that is currently being discussed or closer in time or space.

Examples:

This explains why we need to take immediate action.

Show examples from the web [+]

This explains the amputees, cap.
This explains all the missing dog posters we saw.
This explains the success of our earlier factories.
This explains my political interest in supporting and defending the resolution.
This explains how a ship at impulse can safely pass through without...
This explains why they couldn't find the sword.
This explains the higher amount of the second contract.
This explains why 5,8 % is an average rate.
This explains the sweat stain in the dust void.
This explains how Adalind is getting her powers back.
This explains why we can heal so rapidly.
This explains everything, even you.
This explains why... smells like woman.
This explains most contemporary political debates.
This explains why the V's didn't just annihilate us.
This explains the cleft fracture on the victim's styloid process.
This explains why Sarah bled from her head in her regression.
This explains why 'cookies Thanksgiving came a little 'late.
This explains why Lang went into politics.
This explains the strange stomach contents in our victims' bodies.

Alternatives:

this clarifies
this elucidates
this sheds light on
this provides an explanation for
this gives insight into

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That explains vs This explains

"That explains "

"This explains "

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