Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
elaborate a document
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "elaborate a document" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when referring to the process of developing or detailing a document, but "elaborate on" is more standard. Example: "Please elaborate on the document to include more detailed information about the project."
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Firstly, the students elaborated a document of ad hoc requirements, related to some services offered by UFSCar such as: library, university restaurant, field rental, registration in discipline, etc., involving few requirements.
Let me elaborate a little bit.
News & Media
To elaborate a little.
Science
Will you elaborate a bit?
News & Media
Can you elaborate a little?
News & Media
Please elaborate a little bit.
Science
Finalizing this year's meeting at in October, the organizing committee plans to elaborate and disseminate a document with the predominant topics discussed during the meeting and the round table: "Chilean Science: An attractive pole for international collaboration?" including the perspective the community abroad has about the situation in Chile.
Science
A CMS spokesperson declined to elaborate on the documents out today, but you can view for yourself the correspondence between the two organizations.
News & Media
Between April and August, procedures for targeting and approval of beneficiaries, delivery, training and monitoring were elaborated and documented in a Manual of Operations and in Guidelines for Internal Monitoring.
Formal & Business
Two members of the scientific committee elaborated the final document (LS, PML).
Science
Galaxy has repositories where users share objects: datasets, histories, and workflows but also has Pages, elaborated web documents that enable users to communicate in detail, via texts and graphics, about their analyses.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "elaborate a document", consider whether a more common alternative like "develop a document" or "expand a document" would be clearer and more readily understood by your audience. While grammatically correct, "elaborate a document" can sound somewhat formal or unusual.
Common error
Avoid using "elaborate a document" excessively, especially in informal contexts. Relying too heavily on this phrase can make your writing sound stilted. Instead, diversify your vocabulary by using alternatives like "detail", "develop", or "expand", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "elaborate a document" functions as a verb phrase where "elaborate" acts as a transitive verb taking "a document" as its direct object. This indicates an action performed on the document, aiming to add detail.
Frequent in
Science
34%
News & Media
33%
Formal & Business
33%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "elaborate a document" refers to the act of developing or detailing a document. While grammatically acceptable, it's less common than alternatives like "develop a document" or "expand a document". As Ludwig AI suggests, "elaborate on" is a more standard usage. Analysis of source categories indicates its primary use in Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business contexts. While understandable, writers should be mindful of clarity and consider using more frequent alternatives depending on the intended audience.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
develop a document
Focuses on the overall creation and refinement of the document.
expand a document
Highlights the addition of more details or information to the document.
detail a document
Emphasizes the process of providing specific and thorough information within the document.
flesh out a document
Suggests adding substance and making the document more complete.
augment a document
Implies supplementing the document with additional content.
amplify a document
Focuses on increasing the impact or clarity of the document.
enhance a document
Suggests improving the overall quality and effectiveness of the document.
refine a document
Highlights the process of making small improvements for better clarity.
craft a document
Emphasizes the skillful creation and development of the document.
build upon a document
Focuses on using an existing document as a base for further development.
FAQs
What does "elaborate a document" mean?
The phrase "elaborate a document" means to develop it in detail, adding more information and complexity. However, it's not as commonly used as alternatives like "develop a document" or "expand a document".
How can I use "elaborate a document" in a sentence?
You can use "elaborate a document" when you want to express the idea of adding details and complexity to a document, but be mindful that it may sound somewhat formal. For example: "The team will elaborate a document outlining the project's goals and objectives."
What can I say instead of "elaborate a document"?
You can use alternatives like "develop a document", "expand a document", or "detail a document" depending on the specific context.
Is "elaborate on a document" more common than "elaborate a document"?
Yes, "elaborate on a document" is more common and generally preferred. "Elaborate" is often used intransitively with "on" to mean "to add details concerning an idea or plan". While "elaborate a document" isn't incorrect, it is less frequently used.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested