Elaborate on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Elaborate on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to provide more details or expand on a particular topic or idea. Example: "Could you elaborate on your proposal so we can better understand your vision?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Elaborate on that one, for us.

Forbes

Elaborate on that for us.

Forbes

Elaborate on that notion?

Huffington Post

Elaborate on your sketch.

WikiHow

Elaborate on the story.

WikiHow

Elaborate on your solutions.

WikiHow

Elaborate on that.

WikiHow

Can you elaborate on why?

The New Yorker

Neither chose to elaborate on these disclosures.

The New Yorker

Could he elaborate on that project?

The New York Times - Arts

He did not elaborate on the consequences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Elaborate on" when you need someone to provide more details or explanation about a specific point. It's direct and clearly indicates you want further information.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "Elaborate on" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for phrases like "Tell me more" or "Explain further" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Elaborate on" is to serve as an imperative verb phrase. It is used to directly request or instruct someone to provide a more detailed explanation or expansion of a particular topic or idea. Ludwig AI validates this function based on example usages.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Elaborate on" is a grammatically correct imperative phrase used to request more detailed information about something. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it prompts further explanation. While "Elaborate on" appears less frequently, its use is seen across various domains, including News & Media, Wiki and Science. To maintain a natural tone in casual settings, consider using alternatives like "Tell me more".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Expand upon

Uses 'expand' instead of 'elaborate', implying a broadening of the topic.

Provide more detail

Focuses on the act of giving additional information.

Explain in detail

Emphasizes a thorough explanation.

Go into further depth

Highlights the idea of exploring a topic more deeply.

Can you clarify

Asks for clarification, implying some initial understanding is already present.

Offer a fuller explanation

Suggests the existing explanation is incomplete.

Tell me more about

Invites a broader discussion on the topic.

Give a more complete account

Implies that a story or description is being sought.

Illustrate further

Asks for examples or demonstrations to clarify the point.

Shed more light on

Suggests bringing clarity to a previously obscure topic.

FAQs

What does "Elaborate on" mean?

The phrase "Elaborate on" means to provide more details or information about something, to expand upon a topic, or to explain it more fully.

How can I use "Elaborate on" in a sentence?

You can use "Elaborate on" in a sentence to ask someone to provide more details. For example, "Could you "elaborate on" your proposal?" or "Please "elaborate on" that idea."

What are some alternatives to "Elaborate on"?

Some alternatives to "Elaborate on" include "expand upon", "provide more detail", or "explain in detail". The best choice depends on the context.

Is "Elaborate on" formal or informal?

"Elaborate on" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very casual conversation, simpler phrases like "Tell me more" might be preferable.