elaborate on

USAGE SUMMARY

"elaborate on" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask for more details about something. For example, "Can you elaborate on what you said about the company's mission statement?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Elaborate on that one, for us.

Forbes

Can you elaborate on why?

The New Yorker

Neither chose to elaborate on these disclosures.

The New Yorker

Could he elaborate on that project?

The New York Times - Arts

He did not elaborate on the consequences.

The New York Times

"I don't elaborate on that much.

Independent

Would he like to elaborate on that?

Independent

Do please elaborate on how this worked?

The Economist

Can you elaborate on those comments?

The New York Times

Could you elaborate on the contentious issues?

The New York Times

Fahey would not elaborate on the problems.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "elaborate on", ensure your request is clear and specific to guide the speaker or writer towards the desired level of detail.

Common error

Avoid unnecessary elaboration that can make your writing verbose and less impactful. Focus on providing relevant details that enhance understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "elaborate on" functions as a request for further explanation or detail. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It prompts someone to expand upon a previous statement or idea, providing more comprehensive information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elaborate on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb that serves to request additional information or clarification. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It's appropriate for various contexts, from formal academic discussions to news reporting, though its use should be tailored to avoid unnecessary verbosity. Alternatives such as "expand upon" or "go into detail about" can offer slight variations in tone or emphasis. This makes "elaborate on" a valuable tool for effective communication and in-depth understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expand upon

This suggests a more detailed and thorough explanation.

go into detail about

This implies a deeper dive into the specifics of the subject.

expound on

This is a more formal way of asking for further explanation.

clarify

This suggests making something clearer and more understandable.

develop further

This implies adding more information and building upon an existing point.

provide more details

This is a direct request for additional information.

shed more light on

This suggests clarifying something that is unclear or mysterious.

flesh out

This implies adding substance and detail to something that is incomplete.

explain in more detail

This is a straightforward request for a more detailed explanation.

amplify

This implies making something stronger or more intense with added details.

FAQs

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

You can use "elaborate on" to ask someone to provide more details or explanation about a specific topic. For example, "Could you "elaborate on" the reasons behind your decision?"

What are some alternatives to "elaborate on"?

Alternatives to "elaborate on" include "expand upon", "go into detail about", or "expound on", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "elaborate about" instead of "elaborate on"?

No, the correct phrasing is "elaborate on". "Elaborate about" is grammatically incorrect. Always use the preposition "on" after "elaborate" when asking for more details.

What is the difference between "elaborate on" and "explain"?

"Explain" means to make something clear or understandable. "Elaborate on" implies providing additional details and expanding upon an existing explanation. You might explain something first, then "elaborate on" it to provide a more comprehensive understanding.