elucidate the matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elucidate the matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to clarify or explain a specific issue or topic in detail. Example: "In our next meeting, I would like you to elucidate the matter regarding the budget discrepancies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is unclear whether these attributes can be dissociated in a face as they almost always co-occur in reality, but non-face body parts may help elucidate the matter.

Plosone

Re-sequencing or more extensive haplotype analysis of this region in this and other populations might elucidate the matter.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Detailed information on life-time exposure to physical activity might further elucidate the matter: if strenuous physical activity early in life shows a stronger association with later knee replacement it would indicate that the level of joint pathology is the key factor triggering surgery.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Gregory's idea of "unpacking" on Kagan and military recruiters isn't to elucidate the truth of the matter, but do ask McConnell if her view on the matter "makes her a radical".

Huffington Post

Despite the above limitations, this study was conducted at health centers that represent different level of potential health service coverage in sub-cities, which in turn reflect the TB patient under DOTS program at primary health care level in Addis Ababa and inclusion of several sites for comparison, and to get higher sample size to elucidate on the matter.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Their main characteristics are the well-defined dimensions and extraordinary functional properties [8, 9], which have started to be used to elucidate the properties of colloidal matter [10].

Nanoscale Research Letters

There is a need for more research to further elucidate the development of white matter and its relation to cognitive function during this critical developmental period.

Brain and Cognition

More studies are required to elucidate the pathogenesis of white matter brain injury in hypoglycaemia.

Diabetic Medicine

A more detailed study, therefore, of additional measures in multiple white matter tracts, in association with a wider range of cognitive functions, could better elucidate the underlying neuropathology of white matter changes in VCFS.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Physicists had good reason to think the answer would elucidate the relationship between light and matter as well as give German industry a leg up in the electric light business.

The New York Times - Science

In this manner our model may elucidate the empirically observed scaling of white matter volume with increased cortical size [55].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elucidate the matter" when you want to convey a need for thorough explanation, especially in formal or academic contexts. It suggests a desire to fully understand something that might be complex or unclear.

Common error

Avoid using "elucidate the matter" in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "explain" or "clarify" are often more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elucidate the matter" functions as a request or statement indicating a need for clarification or detailed explanation. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts where a complex or unclear issue needs to be thoroughly explained.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "elucidate the matter" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that serves to request or indicate a need for detailed clarification, as confirmed by Ludwig. While relatively infrequent, it finds its primary use in science and news media contexts. Its formal register makes it best suited for academic, scientific, or professional environments. Remember, while accurate, simpler terms like "explain" or "clarify" may be more appropriate in informal settings. Ludwig's AI provides several examples to guide its use in context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify the issue

Replaces 'elucidate' with the simpler 'clarify', making it less formal.

clarify the situation

Replace "matter" with situation which is less generic.

explain the situation

Uses common words for 'elucidate' and 'matter', resulting in a more straightforward expression.

shed light on the subject

Employs a metaphorical expression to convey clarification.

resolve the issue

Focuses on resolving an issue instead of simply explaining it.

demystify the topic

Implies removing confusion or complexity from the subject.

get to the heart of the matter

Focuses on finding the most important aspect of the issue.

get to the bottom of the matter

Suggests investigating to find the underlying truth.

untangle the problem

Uses a different metaphor, suggesting the matter is complicated and needs sorting out.

spell out the details

Suggests a detailed and explicit explanation, leaving nothing unsaid.

FAQs

What does "elucidate the matter" mean?

The phrase "elucidate the matter" means to clarify or explain a particular issue or situation in detail, making it easier to understand.

How can I use "elucidate the matter" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "In our next meeting, I would like you to elucidate the matter regarding the budget discrepancies."

What are some alternatives to "elucidate the matter"?

You can use alternatives like "clarify the issue", "explain the situation", or "shed light on the subject", depending on the context.

Is "elucidate the matter" formal or informal?

The phrase "elucidate the matter" is generally considered formal. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "explain" or "clarify" are usually preferred.