Expound upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Expound upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when asking someone to elaborate or provide more detail on a particular topic or idea. Example: "Could you expound upon your reasoning for this decision during the meeting?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

–Expound upon the group's theme as it relates to the folk tale.

The New York Times

What those policies should be, Sageman didn't expound upon.

The Guardian

We are no longer prodded to expound upon the women's point of view.

Princeton University

He said liberals had no problem with communists' ideas, which they were free to expound upon and disseminate.

The Washington Post

Cameron will happily travel anywhere to expound upon his three great passions: marine and space exploration, and technology.

The Guardian - Film

He then took a moment to expound upon kibble's drawbacks, among them tooth decay, bad breath and gas.

The New York Times

Now the graver subject that Milton is intending at some point to expound upon is clearly an epic one.

Yale University

Rosa's answer would expound upon what little her niece had learned in her history textbooks at school – that all Parks did was simply sit down on the bus.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Maybe the president was expounding upon the Nickelodeon Ethics.

The New York Times

This idea is expounded upon in his book.

The New Yorker

theorists expounding upon the dangers and benefits of alien abductions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expound upon" when you want to convey a sense of thoroughness and depth in your explanation. It's suitable for situations where you need to provide a comprehensive understanding of a topic.

Common error

Avoid using "expound upon" in very casual settings, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Simpler alternatives like "explain" or "talk about" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expound upon" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to indicate a detailed explanation or elaboration of a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expound upon" is a grammatically correct and very common phrasal verb used to describe the act of providing a detailed and comprehensive explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, it conveys formality and depth. While highly suitable for formal contexts, it might be perceived as overly sophisticated in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives such as "elaborate on" or "explain in detail" in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Elaborate on

Focuses on providing more details or expanding on a specific point.

Expand on

Suggests a broadening of the topic with additional information.

Discuss in detail

Highlights a comprehensive discussion covering all relevant points.

Explain in depth

Indicates a thorough explanation, uncovering deeper layers of understanding.

Go into detail

Suggests a thorough examination of specific aspects of a topic.

Detail

Implies giving a thorough account, emphasizing specific aspects.

Amplify

Emphasizes increasing understanding through detailed explanation.

Present at length

Highlights presenting a subject with extensive details and duration.

Clarify

Focuses on making something easier to understand through detailed explanation.

Illustrate

Emphasizes using examples to clarify a concept or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "expound upon" in a sentence?

You can use "expound upon" when you want someone to elaborate on a topic, such as, "Could you "elaborate on" your research findings?"

What phrases are similar to "expound upon"?

Similar phrases include "elaborate on", "expand on", or "explain in detail". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "expound upon" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "expound upon" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "explain" or "talk about".

What is the difference between "expound upon" and "explain"?

"Expound upon" suggests a more thorough and detailed explanation than simply "explain". Use "expound upon" when depth and comprehensiveness are desired.