Metkagram · Russian → English transfer · XPRRTR002
Explain me vs explain it to me
Common transfer form
✕ Can you explain me this rule?
Target English frame
✓ Can you explain this rule to me?
Why the error happens
English explain does not use the same double-object pattern as tell. Put the thing explained first, then to + person.
What to remember
explain something to someone
❌ explain me [X] → ✓ explain [X] to me
More examples
- ❌ She explained me the problem. → ✓ She explained the problem to me.Она объяснила мне проблему.
- ❌ Please explain us the change. → ✓ Please explain the change to us.Пожалуйста, объясните нам это изменение.
- ❌ Please explain us the result. → ✓ Please explain the result to us.Пожалуйста, объясните нам результат.
Practise the source patternOpen all Russian-speaker transfer trapsAll Russian-speaker errors