elucidates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elucidates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or explain something in detail. Example: "The author elucidates the complex theories in a way that is accessible to all readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

James' response to the scene's omission – that "first and foremost a romantic love story" – further elucidates the supposed incompatibility between love and blood: Hollywood decrees that you have your love over here, and your blood over there, and never the twain shall mix.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Ramones are certain about one thing, though, and Tommy (their spokesman) elucidates: "I think we're seeing the birth of an exciting new scene here in New York".

The Guardian - Music

Where Mr Wei illuminates the politics of official ruthlessness, Miss Yang elucidates how people stay sane.

The Economist

He vowed to continue his fight in parliament though nobody quite knew what that meant, and Mr Prabowo was starting to bear an unfortunate thematic resemblance to Monty Python's Black Knight.Analysis from Reformasi, an Indonesia-based consultancy, elucidates the shape of Mr Prabowo's fight.

The Economist

Because physics elucidates the simplest fundamental questions in nature on which there can be a consensus, it is hardly surprising that it has had a profound impact on other fields of science, on philosophy, on the worldview of the developed world, and, of course, on technology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's to Hytner's credit as a director that the use of the two Bennetts never seems clumsy and elucidates without feeling like exposition.

Independent

She is artist in residence at Lime Wharf Gallery in London, where she is launching a series of exhibitions, Prime Minister No More Scars, which elucidates the historical and current persecution of intersex and trans people in western culture.

Independent

For the most part, it's appropriate that Thomas Struth creates photographs of monumental scale – as scale itself is an attribute that the artist's cool, precise lens captures and elucidates.

Independent

Among his pupils was Carl Gustav Carus, a physician, philosopher, and self-taught painter whose chief contribution was as a theorist; Neun Briefe über Landschaftsmalerei (1831; "Nine Letters on Landscape Painting") elucidates and expands the ideas of Friedrich, adding Carus' own more-scientific approach to natural phenomena.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The phenomenological character of Sartre's analyses of consciousness consists in the way in which he elucidates certain modes of behaviour: love, hatred, sadism, masochism, and indifference.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As in "study the masters," she elucidates the ironies of history without using an ironic tone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elucidates" when you want to highlight the act of making something clear and understandable, especially in academic or formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "elucidates" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler words like "explains" or "clarifies" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "elucidates" is that of a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form. It describes the action of making something clear or understandable. Ludwig examples showcase its use in clarifying complex topics across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elucidates" is a verb form used to describe the act of making something clear or understandable, particularly in formal and academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While simpler alternatives like "explains" or "clarifies" may be suitable for informal settings, "elucidates" adds a layer of sophistication and depth to writing. By following best practices and avoiding overuse in casual contexts, writers can effectively employ "elucidates" to enhance clarity and understanding in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarifies

Focuses on making something easier to understand by removing ambiguity.

explains

Provides a reason or justification for something.

illuminates

Suggests a deeper understanding, often implying discovery or revelation.

sheds light on

Similar to 'illuminates' but often used when uncovering previously unknown information.

expounds

Suggests a detailed and thorough explanation.

interprets

Focuses on explaining the meaning of something, often subjective.

delineates

Clearly describes or marks the boundaries of something.

unravels

Implies solving a complex or mysterious problem.

demystifies

Removes the mystery or complexity from something.

articulates

Expresses something clearly and effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "elucidates" in a sentence?

Use "elucidates" when you want to describe the action of making something clearer or easier to understand, often in a formal or academic context. For example, "The author "elucidates" complex theories with simple examples".

What's a simpler alternative to "elucidates"?

While "elucidates" is useful in formal writing, simpler alternatives like "clarifies", "explains", or "illustrates" might be more appropriate in informal contexts.

Is "elucidates" suitable for informal communication?

While grammatically correct, "elucidates" is generally too formal for everyday conversation or casual writing. Opt for more common words like "explains" or "clarifies" for better clarity and tone.

What's the difference between "elucidates" and "explains"?

"Elucidates" often implies a more detailed and thorough explanation than "explains". While "explains" simply provides an understanding, "elucidates" suggests a deeper level of clarity and insight.