enlighten us

USAGE SUMMARY

"enlighten us" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone needs to be informed or made aware of something (sometimes against their will). For example, you could say "The task of trying to explain quantum physics to my non-scientific family almost seemed impossible, but I knew I had to enlighten them one way or another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are they still useful to us? Do these poems still move us, speak to us, enlighten us?

The Guardian - Books

God must enlighten us".

The New Yorker

Long may it enlighten us.

The Guardian - Arts

Care to enlighten us, Mr. Batt?

The New York Times

Perhaps, one day, Elizabeth Costello will enlighten us.

The New York Times - Books

Could someone enlighten us as to where Bobby fits in?

The Guardian

"Enlighten us, Mim," said Porter, the clever one in horn-rims, the Columbia man.

The New Yorker

Want to enlighten us as to why you've got Karen on your mind, Daniel?

Independent

"I'm sure glad he came to Minnesota from Louisiana to enlighten us.

The Economist

Whether he will now enlighten us, or merely confound the confusion further, remains to be seen.

Independent

"I don't know what Jessica MacDonald deigns to be 'of good standard' – maybe she'll enlighten us?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enlighten us" when you genuinely seek a deeper understanding or clarification, rather than just basic information. It implies a need for insight or a more profound explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "enlighten us" when a simple answer or explanation will suffice. It can sound overly dramatic or sarcastic if the question is not truly seeking significant insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enlighten us" functions as an imperative request. It's used when asking someone to provide information or insight, often implying that the information will bring clarity or understanding. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enlighten us" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to request information or clarification, often with the implication of seeking deeper insight. As Ludwig AI indicates, the expression is correct and suitable for diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific domains, it serves the purpose of soliciting knowledge to broaden understanding. When using "enlighten us", it's important to consider the context, as overuse in trivial scenarios might appear sarcastic. Alternatives like "inform us" or "tell us more" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inform us

Focuses on providing information, differing slightly in tone from seeking deeper understanding.

tell us more

Emphasizes a desire for additional details, rather than general enlightenment.

explain it to us

Highlights the need for clarification and simplification.

shed some light on

Metaphorically asks for clarification or understanding of a subject.

give us the details

Directly requests specific information, rather than broader enlightenment.

clarify for us

Stresses the need for making something clearer and easier to understand.

help us understand

Focuses on facilitating comprehension of a concept.

educate us

Highlights a teaching aspect, providing knowledge or training.

reveal the truth to us

Emphasizes uncovering a hidden reality or fact.

give us your insight

Asks for a personal perspective or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "enlighten us" in a sentence?

You can use "enlighten us" when you want someone to provide deeper insight or clarification on a topic. For example, "Could you enlighten us about the recent developments in the project?"

What's a less formal alternative to "enlighten us"?

Less formal alternatives to "enlighten us" include "tell us more", "explain it to us", or "clarify for us".

What does it mean to "enlighten" someone?

To "enlighten" someone means to give them greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation. It often implies bringing clarity to something that was previously confusing or unknown.

When is it appropriate to use "enlighten us"?

It is appropriate to use "enlighten us" when you are seeking detailed information or insight, especially when the topic is complex or requires a deeper understanding. Using "inform us" would be suitable for less complex topics.