Here are some groups of words that commonly occur in Explanations, with examples. Here is some information about the way the information is shown.

Sketch Engine Help

Here are some groups of words that commonly occur in Explanations, with examples from different disciplines. Click on Instructions for more information about the format.

The tasks that follow will help you work with some of these word groups.

Describing location, structure, procedure
as well as the Examples
in the form of Examples
(at) the end of (the) Examples
can be seen (in) Examples
(in) the absence of Examples
(in) the development of Examples
(on) the surface of (the) Examples
at the same time Examples
(is) made up of Examples
the rest of (the) Examples
in the case of Examples

Explaining cause, effect and significance
(this) is due to (the) Examples
as a result of Examples
an important role in
(e.g. to play/take/have an important role in -ing ...)		 Examples
be able to
(e.g. modal + (not) + ... be able to)		 Examples
this means that Examples

Reporting what is known or believed
one of the most
(e.g. one of the most important/common/complex/significant)		 Examples
is thought/considered ... to be Examples

 

If you are writing an Explanation, you might also find this language useful:

Task 1

Explanations: Describing location, structure, procedure. Drag the group of words into the sentence below.

Exercise

 

Task 2

Explanations: Explaining cause, effect and significance. Drag the group of words into the sentence below.

Exercise

 

Task 3

Explanations: Reporting what is known or believed. Drag the group of words into the sentence below.

Exercise

 

Comments

Muguet88's picture Muguet88 replied on Vietnam

I can't see this video.:l

Peter M's picture Peter M replied on Poland

Hello Muguet88,

Thank you for letting us know. I have passed this on to our Tech Team who will try to fix the problem as soon as possible.

Best wishes,

Peter
The LearnEnglish Team

kzamanbol's picture kzamanbol replied on United Kingdom (Great Britain)

Hi ! Unfortunately I can't see the video. I found this tutorial quite helpful . I am very interested to see the video. Could you please check it out . Thank you

AdamJK's picture AdamJK replied on Poland

Hi,
I'm afraid there isn't a video on this page. There is a video player at the moment, but that's a problem with the site that we're trying to fix.
Best wishes,
Adam
The LearnEnglish Team

Rose 74's picture Rose 74 replied on Saudi Arabia

Hello Adam,
I wonder if I. Could get feedback on my writing essays: I am preparing for IELTA exam and need help..

Your help would be greatly appreciated,

Rose

Kirk's picture Kirk replied on Spain

Hi Rose,

If you have a specific question about a sentence, you're welcome to ask, but I'm afraid that we can't provide individualised feedback on your (or any user's) writing - we are just too small a team with too much work to be able to do that.

Also, please know that we monitor all comments before they are published, so there is no need to ask your questions more than once.

Best wishes,

Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team

Pages