elaborate with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'elaborate with' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used in the sense of 'adding more detail to' or 'clarifying' something. For example, "Please elaborate with some more specific examples to clarify your point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he refused to elaborate with specifics.

The New York Times

Music also became elaborate, with antiphonal psalm chanting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This freedom to elaborate with your own imagination appalls many other evangelicals.

The New York Times

Was the show still too elaborate, with those silken fringes and dangling flapper-girl pearls?

The New York Times

Diane Sawyer, the interviewer, tried to get her to elaborate, with little success.

The New York Times

The back area is more elaborate, with a fireplace, chandeliers and extensive wall paintings.

The New York Times

The vocal line grows more elaborate, with glittery runs, turns, and that downward chromatic scale.

The New Yorker

The trappings are elaborate, with an ornate hearing room and stately offices.

The New York Times

Omaha social organization was elaborate, with a class system of chiefs, priests, physicians, and commoners.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More modest pillow shams, starting at $250 a pair, are elaborate, with lace, ruffles and embroidery.

The New York Times

We preferred plain masala dosa to Mysore masala dosa, more elaborate with the addition of cashews.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "elaborate with", ensure the added details directly support and clarify your main point. Avoid unnecessary or tangential information that could dilute your message.

Common error

Avoid over-elaboration by ensuring your additional details remain relevant and concise. Too much detail can confuse the reader and obscure your central argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elaborate with" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of providing more details or expanding on a statement. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct. Examples show the phrase used in various contexts, suggesting a request or instruction to provide additional information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "elaborate with" is a versatile and grammatically correct way to request or instruct someone to provide further details. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While highly frequent, it's essential to use it judiciously, ensuring the added details contribute meaningfully to the core message. When considering alternative phrasing, options like "expand upon", "go into detail about" or "add more detail to" are also effective choices. Remember, the key is to provide context without overwhelming your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

add more detail to

Highlights the act of supplementing information.

expand upon

Focuses more on extending the discussion or analysis.

flesh out

Suggests making something fuller or more substantial.

go into detail about

Emphasizes a more thorough and minute examination.

develop further

Implies advancing or progressing an idea or argument.

illustrate with examples

Emphasizes the use of examples to clarify or support a point.

amplify on

Focuses on increasing the intensity or significance.

expound on

Formal way to describe explaining something in detail.

provide more context for

Highlights the provision of background information.

augment with details

Suggests adding elements to enhance the existing structure.

FAQs

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

You can use "elaborate with" to describe the act of adding more details to a statement or idea. For example, "Could you elaborate with some specific examples to clarify your point?"

What are some alternatives to "elaborate with"?

Alternatives include "expand upon", "go into detail about", or "add more detail to", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "elaborate with" or "go into detail about"?

"Elaborate with" and "go into detail about" have a similar level of formality, but "elaborate with" might sound slightly more sophisticated in some contexts.

When is it best not to "elaborate with" too much?

It's best to avoid "elaborate with" excessively when brevity is crucial or when the audience already possesses a strong understanding of the topic. Over-explaining can sometimes be perceived as condescending or unnecessary.