1.explain的基本意思是“解释,说明”,指把对方不知道、不理解的事以易懂的方式加以说明,使其清楚、明白。
2.explain既可用作及物动词,也可用作不及物动词。
(1)用作及物动词时,宾语可以是名词、代词,也可以是带疑问词的动词不定式或that从句,还可以是反身代词,说明自己的意思、动机或行为。
Please explain the meaning of the poem.
请说明这首诗的意思。
I will try to explain the situation as I see it.
我将试着根据我自己的看法讲一讲形势。
(2)用作不及物动词
When you are wrong, don't explain.
错了,你不用解释。
You needn't explain any more.
你不必再解释了。
3.explain away (v.+adv.) 通过解释消除...
I didn't believe her at first, but she managed to explain away my doubts.
起初我不相信她,可是她的解释消除了我的怀疑。
She explained away the child's fears.
她通过解释消除了孩子的恐惧。
4.explain to (v.+prep.) 向…解释
(1)explain to sb
You'd better go and explain to the teacher.你最好去向老师解释清楚。
(2)explain sth to sb
You should explain this matter to your wife.你应该向你妻子解释这件事。
Can you explain his behaviour to me?你能向我解释清楚他的行为吗?