Cool MateExplain vs Speak words we can all understand
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Explain
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Speak words we can all understand
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Explain
| Explain | Speak words we can all understand | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪkˈspleɪn/","/ɪkˈspleɪnz/","/ɪkˈspleɪnd/","/ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪkˈspleɪn/","/ɪkˈspleɪnz/","/ɪkˈspleɪnd/","/ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //spiːk wɜːdz wiː kən ɔːl ˌʌndəˈstænd//🇺🇸 //spik wɝdz wi kən ɔl ˌʌndərˈstænd// |
| Meaning | To make something clear or easy to understand. | Use simple language that everyone knows. |
| Example | Can you explain how this machine works? | In our meeting, please **speak words we can all understand**. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | in detail, fully, adequately, be able to, be unable to, can, about, to, explain everything, go a long way, some way, etc. towards/toward explaining something, in detail, fully, adequately, be able to, be unable to, can, about, to, explain everything, go a long way, some way, etc. towards/toward explaining something | clear communication, easy to understand, speak simply, common language, accessible speech |
| Antonyms | confuse, obscure, complicate | - |
| Common mistakes | Using 'explain' without an object, e.g., 'I will explain' instead of 'I will explain the concept.', Confusing 'explain' with 'describe' – 'explain' is about making something clear, while 'describe' is about detailing., Misusing the tense, e.g., saying 'I explained' when referring to a future action. | Using overly complex vocabulary., Assuming all listeners share the same background knowledge., Rushing through speech, making it hard to follow. |
| Usage notes | Use 'explain' when you want to clarify or make something easier to understand. It's appropriate in both speaking and writing, but avoid using it in highly formal contexts where more technical terms might be preferred. | This phrase is appropriate in any setting where clarity is important. Avoid using it when speaking to experts in specialized fields. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Explain vs Speak words we can all understand
What's the difference between Explain and Speak words we can all understand?
Explain: To make something clear or easy to understand. Speak words we can all understand: Use simple language that everyone knows.
Which is more common: Explain and Speak words we can all understand?
Explain is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Explain: Can you explain how this machine works? Speak words we can all understand: In our meeting, please **speak words we can all understand**.
Can I use Explain and Speak words we can all understand interchangeably?
Not always. Explain and Speak words we can all understand are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.