elaboration

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'elaboration' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a detailed description or explanation of something, or to a process of adding more detail or complexity. For example: "His elaboration of the issue was impressive and very helpful in understanding it further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he acknowledged, with wryly relished understatement, that it was "at an early stage of elaboration".

The Guardian

Even his pre-Raphaelite associates, known for taking pains, worried that Brown's "excessive elaboration" meant that Work would never be done.

The Guardian - Arts

This is an interpretation of the scope and meaning of the ruling that deserves much greater elaboration, substantiation, and discussion.

The Guardian - Tech

Previously the force admitted that it tried to recruit the four campaigners but has denied, without elaboration, some of the allegations.

The Guardian

Another set of questions sent on Friday, requesting comment on human-rights group requests for access to the site and an elaboration of Emanuel's comments on Homan Square, did not receive a response despite repeated requests.

The Guardian

Facebook is awash with pointed omissions and photos that serially exclude a single family member, or oblique status updates that hint at some vast unhappiness, with no context or elaboration, and which no one quite knows how to field.

The Guardian - Opinion

There will be no further elaboration.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They were also cheap to run.Projects such as Give Directly in Kenya are the latest elaboration of these ideas.

The Economist

A longer, and far more pleasurable, elaboration can be found in text, pictures and objects at the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, where an exhibition devoted to "Money and Beauty" continues into 2012.

The Economist

This constant elaboration is what pads the book out to such length.

The Economist

But the authors' passion shines through in asides on everything from Bollywood to Egypt and Mongolia, and especially in Mr Sorrell's descriptions of Hindu ragas, which reflect Indian mathematical genius through the elaboration of a few notes into dazzling patterns.Two main ideas emerge from the book.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elaboration" to introduce a deeper dive into a topic, ensuring you provide sufficient context for your audience to follow your reasoning.

Common error

Avoid excessive "elaboration" that obscures the main point. Ensure each added detail serves to clarify, not complicate, the central message.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "elaboration" is as a noun, representing the act of expanding or developing an idea or concept in detail. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment and is evident in numerous examples where it functions as a subject or object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Reference

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elaboration" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves the purpose of expanding and clarifying information across various contexts, primarily in science, news, and formal business settings. The term suggests a neutral to formal register, indicating its suitability for professional and academic discourse. Common errors involve over-complicating ideas, so clarity is essential. Remember to use "elaboration" when you want to signal a deeper dive into a topic, and consider alternatives like "explanation", "expansion", or "amplification" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detailed explanation

Focuses on providing a thorough account, emphasizing clarity and comprehensiveness.

further explanation

Highlights the addition of more explanatory content to an existing discussion.

more detail

Emphasizes the addition of extra specifics or particulars.

expansion

Indicates a broadening or extension of a topic or idea.

amplification

Implies an increase in the intensity or significance of something.

development

Suggests a gradual unfolding or growth of an idea or concept.

clarification

Concentrates on making something easier to understand.

more information

Focuses on providing additional data or facts.

greater detail

Indicates a finer level of granularity in the provided information.

further development

Highlights additional progress or advancement of a concept.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "elaboration" in a sentence?

Use "elaboration" to signal that you are providing more detail or expanding on a previous point. For example, "The plan requires further "elaboration" before it can be implemented."

What are some alternatives to the word "elaboration"?

You can use alternatives like "explanation", "expansion", or "amplification" depending on the context.

When is "elaboration" necessary in writing?

"Elaboration" is necessary when you need to provide more context, clarify a complex idea, or add persuasive details to support your argument. It ensures that your audience fully understands your message.

What's the difference between "elaboration" and "explanation"?

While both involve making something clearer, "elaboration" often implies adding more detail and complexity, whereas "explanation" focuses on simplifying and clarifying the existing information. "Elaboration" expands; explanation clarifies.