"Explain her/to her"

[roniy]

What is the difference ?
Thanks.

 

[bartonig]

What is the difference ?
Thanks.

In standard British English we include the preposition. For example, I'll explain to her how to book a seat. I've often heard Americans use explain without the preposition.

 

[M56]

What is the difference ?
Thanks.

For me:

explain to = explain something to someone

and:

explain her actions/behaviour = "explain someone's actions/behaviour to somebody"

......

Explain her has no meaning.

Students often confuse explain her/him with describe her/him.

 

[judkinsc]

Umm, technically...
"to her/him" is a dative usage, in which they are the recipient of a particular, indirect, thing.

"her/him" is the accusative. (Whereas, she/he is the nominative, the subject."

"I sent a letter to him."

"I sent him a letter."

In some cases, however, the verb itself demands a dative construction for its object. It's all from Latin. Thus, "I need to explain that to him." "I must explain how to do that." "I must teach him how to do that." "I must explain to her how to find the car." Etc...

~Chad

 

[roniy]

Umm, technically...
"to her/him" is a dative usage, in which they are the recipient of a particular, indirect, thing.

"her/him" is the accusative. (Whereas, she/he is the nominative, the subject."

"I sent a letter to him."

"I sent him a letter."

In some cases, however, the verb itself demands a dative construction for its object. It's all from Latin. Thus, "I need to explain that to him." "I must explain how to do that." "I must teach him how to do that." "I must explain to her how to find the car." Etc...

~Chad

I still don't get it . You gave examples such as "sent" or "teach" it those cases I know the usage but in " the exaplain case I am confused.

 

[alahay]

e.g.1.
can you explain to her the reason why I used "to" in this example?
reason is the direct object
meaning: can you explain the reason for her
e.g.2.
can you explain her? What is she doing here?
her is the direct object
meaning: can you explain (to me) what is she doing here

 

[elroy]

"Explain her" (with the intended meaning "explain to her") is incorrect, whether in British or American English. I've often seen non-natives say/write it, but never a native.

As Alahay said, "explain her" would mean "interpret her, tell me something about her," etc.