Why is “explain me” wrong?

What it means

• Common mistake: “explain me”
• Is this correct? Can you explain me this rule?
• Rule: explain SOMETHING TO somebody Can you explain this rule to me?
• No object? Just drop it: I can explain.

Transcript

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1. 0:00It's incorrect to say “explain me.”
2. 0:03We should say “explain something to somebody.”
3. 0:08Can anybody explain this to me?
4. 0:10For example, can you explain this rule to me?
5. 0:16Why don't you explain it to me?
6. 0:18And sometimes you don't even need that object.
7. 0:21You can just drop it.
8. 0:23I can explain.
9. 0:24Can you explain this rule, please?
10. 0:29I'm going to explain this rule.
11. 0:31Can you explain this to me?
12. 0:34I'm going to explain this rule to you.
13. 0:38Explain it to this man, please.
14. 0:39Try to explain it to me.

Quick quiz

1. Question 1 of 2

   Which sentence is correct?

   ACan you explain this rule to me?BCan you explain this rule me?CCan you explain me this rule?DCan you explain to me about this rule me?

2. Question 2 of 2

   Which one is correct with no object?

   AI can explain to.BI can explain it to.CI can explain me.DI can explain.