What are the definitions of “explain away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To provide an explanation or excuse for something, often in order to minimize its significance or avoid blame.
And when the courageous stands you do take are explained away as the result of parental pressure, there's scant incentive to remain upright.
- 2To provide excuses or justifications for something.
He's been explaining away antisemitism for far too long.
- 3To provide an explanation or excuse for something, often in a way that is not entirely truthful or convincing.
She made up stories to explain away the missing money.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “explain away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb explain away is to provide an explanation or excuse for something, often to minimize its importance or avoid blame. It can also mean giving excuses or justifications for something, sometimes in a way that is not entirely truthful or convincing.
What are the different verb forms of “explain away”?
| Root Verb | explain away |
| Third Person Singular Present | explains away |
| Present Participle | explaining away |
| Simple Past | explained away |
| Past Participle | explained away |
Example
He tried to explain away his mistake.
Example
She explains away her tardiness by blaming traffic.
Example
He is explaining away his poor performance at work.
Example
They explained away their absence by saying they were sick.
Example
The politician explained away the scandal by blaming the media.
What kind of phrasal verb is “explain away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“explain away” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
He explained away his mistake by saying he was tired.
Example
She explained away the missing money by saying she used it for an emergency.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“explain away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He explained away his mistake by saying he was tired.
Example
She explained away the missing money by saying she used it for an emergency.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “explain away”?
Good things to know
Does “explain away” have an informal or formal tone?
Explain away is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
