elaborate on the answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"elaborate on the answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to provide additional details and explanations related to an answer they have already provided. For example, if someone answered a question with "Yes," you could say, "Can you elaborate on the answer?" to ask for more information.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Don't elaborate on these answers, yes and no.

WikiHow

So take the poll, elaborate on your answers in the comments, and Team HuffPost Comedy -- Carol, Katla, Ross, Christine & Seena -- will do the same.

Huffington Post

So take the poll, elaborate on your answers in the comments, and Team HuffPost Comedy -- Carol, Katla, Ross, Christine & Seena -- will weigh in as well.

Huffington Post

In the immediate aftermath of the final round, when pressed to elaborate on the missing ingredient, he answered, "Everything".

The New York Times - Sports

He refused to elaborate on the apparent contradiction, or to answer any other questions.

The New York Times

And, when Toti wanted to elaborate on an answer after her time had expired, it was Ginsburg who suggested that she be allowed to continue.

The New Yorker

There was always a need to justify and elaborate on my answer.

Huffington Post

○ Can you elaborate on your answer?

Family Practice

If she asks you a question, elaborate on your answer - tell an anecdote from your day, give her a link to a funny picture or website, etc. Use appropriate language - minimise swearing and don't use derogatory terms.

WikiHow

Participants were encouraged to elaborate on their answers and the authors allowed a natural flow of conversation to direct the discussion and explore the students' thoughts, feelings, and experiences in greater depth (Patton 2002).

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking someone to "elaborate on the answer", be specific about what aspects you'd like them to expand upon for a more focused response.

Common error

Avoid unnecessary verbosity. Ensure that any additional details provided when "elaborating on the answer" are relevant and contribute to a clearer understanding, rather than simply adding length.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elaborate on the answer" functions as a request for further explanation or detail. It prompts the speaker to provide a more comprehensive or in-depth response. The usage implies that the initial answer was insufficient or incomplete, requiring additional information.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elaborate on the answer" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase used to request more details or clarification on a previously provided response. As Ludwig's analysis suggests, it functions as a direct request for explanation, suitable for various contexts. Since Ludwig has no examples for this phrase, remember to use it thoughtfully and consider the context when requesting further elaboration to avoid redundancy or insensitivity. Consider using alternatives like "expand on the answer" or "provide more detail on the answer" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Expand on the answer

Uses "expand" instead of "elaborate", suggesting a broadening of the response.

Provide more detail on the answer

Focuses on providing additional detail.

Give a more detailed explanation of the answer

Emphasizes a more thorough explanation.

Clarify the answer further

Highlights the need for clarification.

Explain the answer in more depth

Focuses on providing a deeper explanation.

Offer a fuller account of the answer

Suggests a complete and comprehensive explanation.

Delve deeper into the answer

Implies a more thorough investigation of the subject.

Go into greater detail about the answer

Highlights the act of adding specific details.

Offer a more comprehensive answer

Focuses on the comprehensiveness of the response.

Justify the answer further

Stresses providing further justification or reasoning.

FAQs

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

You can use "elaborate on the answer" when you want someone to provide more details or explanations regarding their response. For example, "Could you elaborate on the answer you gave about the budget cuts?"

What's a more formal way to ask someone to "elaborate on the answer"?

In a formal setting, you could ask someone to "expand on their response" or "provide a more detailed explanation". These alternatives, like "expand on the answer", maintain a professional tone.

What can I say instead of "elaborate on the answer" in an informal context?

Informally, you might say "Can you tell me more about that answer?" or "Can you give me more details?" These options are less direct but still convey your interest in hearing more.

Is it ever inappropriate to ask someone to "elaborate on the answer"?

It might be inappropriate if the context is sensitive or if the person has already provided a thorough explanation. Consider whether further elaboration is truly necessary or if it might put the person on the spot.