explain the situation

Meaning

To describe the facts, details, or context of a particular event or problem so that someone else understands what is happening. It is often used when there is a misunderstanding, a delay, or a sudden issue at work.

Examples

• Let me call the client and explain the situation to them.

  Let me call the client and explain the situation to them.

• Could you please explain the situation before we make a decision?

  Could you please explain the situation before we make a decision?

• The manager asked me to explain the situation regarding the delayed shipment.

  The manager asked me to explain the situation regarding the delayed shipment.

• I had to explain the situation to the IT department to get my password reset.

  I had to explain the situation to the IT department to get my password reset.

• Once I explained the situation, they were very understanding about the delay.

  Once I explained the situation, they were very understanding about the delay.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I explained them the situation.

  ✓ I explained the situation to them.

  The verb 'explain' cannot take an indirect object directly. You must explain something 'to' someone.

• ✗ She explained about the situation in detail.

  ✓ She explained the situation in detail.

  You explain the situation directly; adding 'about' is redundant and grammatically incorrect here.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I need to call my boss and ___ about the project delay.

  💡 Describe what is happening and why

  Show answer

  explain the situation

• Could you please ___ to the new team members?

  💡 Give them the context or details of what is going on

  Show answer

  explain the situation