I elaborated that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I elaborated that" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used when you want to indicate that you provided more detail or explanation about a specific point, but it requires a direct object to be grammatically correct. Example: "In my presentation, I elaborated that the new policy would benefit our team in several ways."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"You think too much," he told me, when I elaborated that writing could be a slow and difficult process.

Los Angeles Times

For her benefit, I elaborated that in Hinduism we frequently worship images of the divine, may view the divine as feminine, and that we believe in reincarnation.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He describes the theme of the album as "the luxury of time," elaborating that "I titled it Daytona because the Rolex Daytona's my favorite watch.

Vice

"We don't offer an option today for people to pay to not show ads" Zuckerberg said, later elaborating that "Overall, I think that the ads experience is going to be the best one.

TechCrunch

Here, I elaborate on that heuristic, and provide guidance for developing its core components.

Biological Conservation

Before I elaborate on that answer, though, let me explain why I think the question is so fascinating.

The New York Times

Despite remaining indifferent to the tracks individually, he opined that they were underwhelming when accompanied by "Everything Is Embarrassing", and elaborated that the record was "just another round of throwing ideas at the wall".

Wikipedia

For many hours, I elaborated on the vivid images that accompanied the soundtrack: a lioness worrying the leg off a carcass, two others fending off a male, raking his ribs with teeth and claws, while their cubs mock-fought nearby.

The New Yorker

That is, I elaborated, the men stood in line outside a series of temporary operating facilities, inhaling the odor of antiseptic, while marching bands played on throughout the day and the night.

The New Yorker

It was these points that I elaborated on when called in front of Leveson last year.

The Guardian

In his memoir, Graham elaborated that, "I wasn't a math wiz, to put it charitably" and in high school, "I made Cs mostly".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "I elaborated that" in formal writing. Opt for more grammatically sound alternatives such as "I explained that" or "I clarified that".

Common error

The verb "elaborate" typically requires a direct object or preposition. Instead of "I elaborated that", use "I elaborated on the point that..." or rephrase with "I explained that..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I elaborated that" functions as a declarative statement where the speaker is reporting an action of providing more details. However, Ludwig AI flags it as incorrect due to its non-standard usage. The correct form typically involves "elaborated on".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "I elaborated that" appears in some contexts, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically questionable. It's more accurate and widely accepted to use alternatives such as "I explained that" or "I clarified that". When using "elaborate", ensure it's followed by "on" (e.g., "I elaborated on the topic"). Although examples can be found, this construction is infrequent and not recommended for formal writing. As always, prioritize clarity and precision in your language choices. Opting for grammatically correct alternatives will strengthen your message and enhance your credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I explained that

Replaces "elaborated" with a more common and grammatically straightforward verb, focusing on simple explanation.

I clarified that

Similar to "explained", but emphasizes making something clearer and easier to understand.

I detailed that

Focuses on providing specific details, rather than a general explanation.

I specified that

Highlights the act of stating something explicitly and precisely.

I outlined that

Suggests providing a summary or the main points of something.

I indicated that

Implies a more subtle or indirect communication of information.

I illustrated that

Emphasizes providing examples to make a point clearer.

I expanded on that

Uses a slightly different structure, focusing on expanding an existing point.

I went into detail about that

A more verbose alternative that emphasizes the thoroughness of the explanation.

I expounded upon that

A more formal and literary way of saying that you elaborated.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "I elaborated that"?

Alternatives include "I explained that", "I clarified that", or "I detailed that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. Consider using "I explained that" or "I clarified that" for clearer communication.

Is "I elaborated that" grammatically correct?

While sometimes used, "I elaborated that" is not considered grammatically ideal. It's better to say "I elaborated on that" or use a different verb altogether. The phrase can sound awkward and is not frequently used in formal writing. Refer to "I explained that" or "I clarified that" for accurate sentence structure.

How can I use "elaborate" correctly in a sentence?

Use "elaborate on" followed by the topic you are expanding upon. For example, "I elaborated on the reasons for the decision." Alternatively, rephrase the sentence using a verb like "explain" or "detail". You can say something such as "I explained the reasons".

What is the difference between "I elaborated that" and "I elaborated on that"?

"I elaborated on that" is grammatically preferred because the verb "elaborate" typically requires a preposition such as "on". "I elaborated that" is often perceived as grammatically awkward. Consider the alternative constructions using "I expanded on that" or "I clarified that", depending on the intent.