EXPLAIN TO ME (not EXPLAIN ME)
Can't EXPLAIN someone something—must EXPLAIN something TO someone
Question 1
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
Can you explain this _____ me?
Context: Basic usage
🧠Why This Mistake Happens
The Problem:
Spanish 'explicar' takes indirect objects directly without preposition
Linguistic Reason:
Spanish uses clitic pronouns (me, te, le) that attach to or precede the verb, functioning as indirect objects without prepositions: 'Explícame esto' (Explain-me this). English cannot mirror this structure; it requires either 'explain TO [person]' or 'explain [thing] TO [person]'.
Spanish Example:
Spanish: Explícame esta regla = Explain-me this rule
The clitic 'me' functions as indirect object without preposition in Spanish
💡 Quick Rule:
Can't EXPLAIN someone something—must EXPLAIN something TO someone
Common Examples:
Can you explain me this grammar rule?
Can you explain this grammar rule to me?
Standard usage with two objects
The teacher explained us the problem
The teacher explained the problem to us
Formal/academic context
Let me suggest you something
Let me suggest something to you
Similar pattern with suggest
💡 Tips for Success
- •Cannot say \'explain me\' - must use explain TO me
- •Pattern: explain something TO someone
- •Same pattern: suggest TO, propose TO, describe TO
- •Different from: tell someone, show someone (no TO needed)
🌟 Community Insights
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