Cool MateExplain vs We can show you
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Explain
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
We can show you
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Explain
| Explain | We can show you | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪkˈspleɪn/","/ɪkˈspleɪnz/","/ɪkˈspleɪnd/","/ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪkˈspleɪn/","/ɪkˈspleɪnz/","/ɪkˈspleɪnd/","/ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //wiː kən ʃoʊ juː//🇺🇸 //wi kæn ʃoʊ ju// |
| Meaning | To make something clear or easy to understand. | We can demonstrate something to you. |
| Example | Can you explain how this machine works? | We can show you how to use this software effectively. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (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 | show you around, show you how, show you the way, show you something, show you the results |
| 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. | Omitting 'you' at the end of the phrase., Confusing with 'We show you' which is less polite., Incorrect verb tense, using 'showed' instead of 'show'. |
| 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. | Use this phrase in friendly or professional settings when offering to explain or demonstrate something. Avoid it in very informal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Explain vs We can show you
What's the difference between Explain and We can show you?
Explain: To make something clear or easy to understand. We can show you: We can demonstrate something to you.
Which is more common: Explain and We can show you?
Explain is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Explain: Can you explain how this machine works? We can show you: We can show you how to use this software effectively.
Can I use Explain and We can show you interchangeably?
Not always. Explain and We can show you 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.