elaborates on

USAGE SUMMARY

"elaborates on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that a statement is going into more detail or providing clarification or explanation. For example: "The professor elaborated on the basics of quantum physics during his lecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Writer elaborates on this.

The New Yorker

Dante hugely elaborates on limbo.

The Guardian

As we eat, McInerney elaborates on the appeal of wine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Flynn's book, The Field of Fight, elaborates on that stand.

The Guardian

Below, Mr. Trzcinski elaborates on each of the four series shown here.

The New York Times

Writer elaborates on this, writing in the style of James Joyce, with no punctuation.

The New Yorker

(James Kwak elaborates on this point on Baseline Scenario, the blog we run together).

The New York Times

The text of the ads elaborates on the point the campaign strives to make.

The New York Times

The second verse elaborates on Katie's bona fides as a fan.

The New York Times

An afterword elaborates on the "almost true" tale with historical backdrop.

The New York Times - Books

Much of what they wrote led nowhere, though Schneer elaborates on their maneuvers at great length.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elaborates on" when you want to indicate that someone is providing more detail or clarification on a specific point. It's suitable for both formal and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid overusing "elaborates on" in close proximity to other similar phrases. Vary your language by using synonyms like "expands upon", "details", or "fleshes out" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elaborates on" functions as a phrasal verb used to indicate that someone is providing more detail or expanding upon a previously mentioned point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and used to add depth to a discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elaborates on" is a phrasal verb that signifies providing more detail or expanding upon a topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for a range of contexts, including news, scientific writing, and formal communication. While it's a common phrase, it's best to vary your vocabulary with alternatives like "expounds on" or "details" to avoid redundancy. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science, and is considered to have a neutral register. "Elaborates on" is a versatile tool for writers seeking to provide a more thorough explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expands upon

Implies a thorough development of a topic, adding significant information.

expounds on

This implies a more formal and detailed explanation.

expounds upon

A more formal alternative to expounds on.

expounds in detail

This is more descriptive and it explicitly says that the information will be detailed.

expatiates on

This suggests a lengthy and often enthusiastic discussion.

amplifies

This indicates an increase in detail or intensity of the explanation.

details

This is a more concise and direct way of saying provides specific information.

builds upon

Suggests adding to an existing idea or argument, developing it further.

fleshes out

This implies adding more substance and detail to a basic framework.

goes into detail

This is a less formal way of saying provides specific information.

FAQs

How to use "elaborates on" in a sentence?

You can use "elaborates on" to indicate that someone is providing more detail or explanation on a specific point. For example: "The author "elaborates on" the historical context in the second chapter".

What can I say instead of "elaborates on"?

You can use alternatives like "expounds on", "details", or "expands upon" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "elaborates on" or "elaborates about"?

"Elaborates on" is the correct usage. The preposition "on" is necessary to connect the verb "elaborates" with the topic being discussed. "Elaborates about" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "elaborates on" and "explains"?

"Elaborates on" implies a more detailed and thorough explanation than simply "explains". While "explains" provides a basic understanding, "elaborates on" delves deeper into the subject matter.