Elaborate on that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Elaborate on that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to provide more details or clarification about a specific point or statement they made. Example: "I found your argument interesting, but could you elaborate on that to help me understand your perspective better?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Elaborate on that.

WikiHow

Elaborate on that one, for us.

Forbes

Elaborate on that for us.

Forbes

Elaborate on that notion?

Huffington Post

Q. Can you elaborate on that last point?

The New York Times

The authorities will probably invite him to elaborate on that.

The Guardian - Sport

"You want to elaborate on that?" I asked.

The New York Times

Can you elaborate on that? A. First of all, my father was a doctor, an oncologist.

The New York Times

(He would not elaborate on that, either, to protect surprise effects).

The New York Times

"I might elaborate on that or I might just keep it as a personal experience," he said.

The Guardian

So let Mike elaborate on that.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In written communication, follow "Elaborate on that" with a specific question to guide the speaker's response and ensure you receive the information you need.

Common error

While "Elaborate on that" is generally acceptable, it can sound too informal in highly formal or academic writing. In such cases, opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "Could you provide further clarification?" or "Please expand upon that point."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Elaborate on that" functions as an imperative request for further explanation or clarification. It prompts the speaker to provide more details, examples, or a deeper analysis of a previously mentioned point. Ludwig AI shows this phrase frequently used in questions during interviews or discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Elaborate on that" is a versatile phrase used to request further explanation or details. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, consider more formal alternatives in academic settings. It serves the communicative purpose of seeking clarification and promoting a deeper understanding. This phrase is commonly found in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, reinforcing its widespread acceptance and utility in English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Could you explain further?

Directly asks for more explanation, maintaining a polite tone.

Can you provide more details?

Requests additional information, focusing on specifics.

Expand on that point

Suggests broadening the scope of the previous statement.

Tell me more about that

An informal way of asking for a more detailed explanation.

Explain that in more detail

Emphasizes the need for a thorough explanation.

Give me the specifics

Asks for concrete and precise information.

What do you mean by that?

Seeks clarification of the speaker's intended meaning.

Shed some light on that

Requests clarification and understanding of a topic.

Walk me through that

Asks for a step-by-step explanation or process.

Go into greater depth

Requests a more profound and thorough discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "Elaborate on that" to ask someone to provide more details about something they've said. For example, "You mentioned concerns about the project's timeline; could you "elaborate on that"?"

What's a more formal alternative to "Elaborate on that"?

In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "Could you provide further details?", "Could you expand on that?", or "Could you "clarify that"?". These alternatives maintain a respectful and professional tone.

Is "Elaborate on that" appropriate for all types of conversations?

"Elaborate on that" is generally suitable for most conversations, but its level of formality might not be ideal for highly formal or academic discussions. Choose your wording based on the context and your audience.

What's the difference between "Elaborate on that" and "Explain that"?

While both seek further explanation, "Elaborate on that" implies building upon something already stated, whereas "Explain that" can refer to providing an initial explanation or simplifying something complex. "Elaborate" suggests adding detail, while "explain" suggests clarifying understanding.