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Old 20-Jan-2006, 23:35
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Default Re: Could you explain this to / for me?

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In normal usage, they are synonymous: Y wishes to receive an explanation from X. The second form could also mean that Y wishes X to offer an explanation to Z on Y's behalf.

Here are alternative constructions for your two sentences:

Could you give an explanation to me?
Could you give an explanation for my benefit?

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