Have you ever asked someone, "Could you please explain me this?" If so, you’re not alone. Many English learners use this sentence in conversations, emails, or classrooms—only to wonder later if it was correct. So, is it correct to say 'Could You Please Explain Me This?' The short answer is: no, it’s not grammatically correct. But don’t worry. In this article, we’ll break down exactly why it’s incorrect, what to say instead, and how to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
Why “Explain Me This” Is Incorrect
The problem lies in how the verb explain works in English. Some verbs can take both a direct and an indirect object without a preposition (like give me the book). However, explain is not one of those verbs.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, explain means “to make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving information about it.” The typical grammatical pattern is:
- explain + something + to someone
This means we must include the preposition to before the person receiving the explanation.
✅ Correct Structure
- Could you please explain this to me?
- She explained the problem to us.
- The teacher explained the lesson to the students.
❌ Incorrect Structure
- Could you please explain me this?
- She explained us the problem.
In short, "explain me this" is grammatically incorrect because "me" cannot directly follow "explain."
Why Do Learners Make This Mistake?
This error often happens because of confusion with verbs that do allow two objects without a preposition. For example:
- Give me the book.
- Send her the email.
- Tell us the story.
Notice how these verbs do not require to before the person. That’s because verbs like give, send, and tell can take a double-object structure.
However, explain does not follow that pattern.
Explain vs. Tell: What’s the Difference?
Many learners confuse explain and tell because both involve giving information. However, their grammar patterns differ.
| Verb | Correct Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Explain | Explain something to someone | She explained the rules to me. |
| Tell | Tell someone something | She told me the rules. |
According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, explain is followed by “something to somebody,” reinforcing that the preposition to is necessary.
Polite and Natural Alternatives
If you’re wondering what to say instead of “Could you please explain me this?”, here are several natural alternatives:
- Could you please explain this to me?
- Can you explain this?
- Would you mind explaining this to me?
- Could you clarify this for me?
- I don’t understand. Could you go over it again?
Each of these options sounds natural and polite in both spoken and written English.
Real-World Examples in Context
In the Classroom
Student: I’m sorry, I don’t understand this formula.
Student: Could you please explain this to me again?
Teacher: Of course! Let me break it down step by step.
At Work
Email:
Hi Mark,
I’m reviewing the sales report, but I’m confused about the last section. Could you please explain this to me when you have a moment?
Thanks,
Julia
In Everyday Conversation
Friend: Why did the price increase?
Friend: Can you explain that to me?
Manager: Sure. The supplier raised their rates last month.
Notice how in each example, the correct form includes to me.
Grammar Rule Made Simple
Here’s an easy rule to remember:
If you use "explain," you must use "to" before the person.
Think of it this way:
- You give someone something.
- You tell someone something.
- But you explain something to someone.
This pattern is consistent in standard English usage.
Is It Ever Acceptable Informally?
No. Even in casual conversation, native speakers do not say "explain me this." It sounds unnatural and immediately signals a grammar error. Unlike some informal shortcuts (like “gonna” or “wanna”), this structure is simply incorrect.
Both formal and informal English require the preposition to with explain.
Common Related Mistakes
Here are similar errors to watch for:
- ❌ Suggest me a movie.
✅ Suggest a movie to me. - ❌ Describe me the process.
✅ Describe the process to me. - ❌ Introduce me the manager.
✅ Introduce me to the manager. (Different pattern!)
Notice that many verbs that involve communication require a preposition before the person receiving the action.
Quick Practice
Which sentence is correct?
- Could you explain me the instructions?
- Could you explain the instructions to me?
If you chose number 2, you’re right!
Conclusion
So, is it correct to say "Could You Please Explain Me This?" No, it isn’t. The verb explain requires the preposition to before the person receiving the explanation. The correct sentence is:
Could you please explain this to me?
Remember this key structure:
- Explain something to someone
Although the mistake is common among English learners, it’s easy to fix once you understand the rule. By paying attention to verb patterns—and practicing them in real conversations—you’ll sound more natural and confident in English.
The next time you’re tempted to ask, “Could you please explain me this?” pause for a second and add that small but important word: to. That tiny preposition makes all the difference.
Keep practicing, and soon these patterns will feel completely natural!
Did I miss anything? Respond below :backhand_index_pointing_down: