Błędnie: To explain Rupert that his behaviour was entirely outrageous is a forlorn cause, considering Rupert’s degree of self-confidence. Poprawnie: To explain to Rupert that his behaviour was entirely outrageous is a forlorn cause, considering Rupert’s degree of self-confidence.
Słowo ‘explain (sth. to sb.)’ znaczy „wyjaśniać (coś komuś)” i zawsze wymaga przyimka ‘to’ jeśli podajemy osobę, której coś się wyjaśnia, np. ‘I want to explain our reasons to her’ („Chcę wyjaśnić jej nasze powody”).