elaborate explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elaborate explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an explanation that is detailed and comprehensive. For example: "He gave us an elaborate explanation of the consequences of our actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

A "no" answer gets a more elaborate explanation.

The New York Times - Tech

On the record, he has an elaborate explanation".

The New Yorker

I received a more elaborate explanation from Gary Morgenstern, a spokesman for AT&T's long-distance unit.

The New York Times

That was like watching someone on Miami Ink come up with some elaborate explanation for their tattoo.

The Guardian - Sport

Anxious to contextualise this shocking revelation, I launched into an elaborate explanation, until I glanced in the mirror again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, a pugnacious right-winger, has an elaborate explanation as to why Democrats will be blamed.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

("Is that a ducky on your shirt?") They reply to those devilish "Why?" questions toddlers love with elaborate explanations.

The New Yorker

The press materials for the film provide elaborate explanations that Almodóvar has worked out for the art references, but the connections remain in his head.

The New Yorker

Elaborate explanations had to be given to the children why they should keep a watch for strangers who might be following them home.

The Economist

Privately, Trump was said to be furious at seeing his wife's rare speaking engagement ruined, and his few senior allies in the party rushed to seek ever more elaborate explanations.

The Guardian

Much has been written over the years about Mr. Taylor's oddly skewed brand of Americana, but the artist himself is less inclined to proffer elaborate explanations of his dances.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elaborate explanation" when you want to convey that a subject is covered in great depth and with many details. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and presentations where clarity and thoroughness are important.

Common error

Avoid using "elaborate explanation" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler terms like "detailed reason" or "full story" may be more appropriate and sound less pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elaborate explanation" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "elaborate" modifies the noun "explanation". It describes the type of explanation being given, emphasizing its detail and complexity, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elaborate explanation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that signifies a detailed and comprehensive account. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, although best reserved for situations where thoroughness and clarity are prioritized. While alternatives like "detailed account" or "thorough exposition" exist, "elaborate explanation" effectively conveys complexity and depth. While overusing it in casual settings should be avoided, it remains a valuable term for formal writing and discussions, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detailed account

Focuses on the thoroughness of the explanation, highlighting the inclusion of many details.

comprehensive justification

Emphasizes a complete and thorough reasoning or defense for something.

thorough exposition

Highlights a complete and detailed presentation of a topic.

in-depth analysis

Stresses a deep and thorough examination of a subject, often used in academic or professional contexts.

extensive clarification

Suggests a broad and detailed attempt to make something clearer and more understandable.

complex rationale

Implies an intricate and detailed underlying reason or justification.

exhaustive explanation

Conveys the idea that the explanation covers every possible aspect or detail.

minute explication

Focuses on very precise and detailed explanation.

lengthy discourse

Indicates a prolonged and detailed discussion or treatment of a subject.

well-developed rationale

Highlights that the reasoning has been carefully thought out and is thoroughly presented.

FAQs

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

You can use "elaborate explanation" to describe a detailed and thorough account of something. For example, "The scientist provided an "elaborate explanation" of the theory's complexities".

What are some alternatives to "elaborate explanation"?

Alternatives include "detailed account", "comprehensive justification", or "thorough exposition", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "elaborate explanation" or "detailed explanation"?

"Elaborate explanation" and "detailed explanation" are often interchangeable, but "elaborate" suggests a higher degree of complexity and intricacy than "detailed".

When is it appropriate to use "elaborate explanation" in writing?

Use "elaborate explanation" in formal or academic writing where a comprehensive and thorough explanation is required. It's suitable when precision and detail are important for understanding a complex topic.