expand on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expand on" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically means to elaborate on something that has already been stated. For example, you might say "Please expand on your theories about the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We expand on just one of these points for illustration.

BMC Biology

"Let's expand on that".

The New York Times

Could you expand on that?

The New Yorker

Can you expand on this?

The New York Times

Spring 2014 will expand on that motif.

The New York Times

Both expand on this idea.

The Guardian - Opinion

You expand on little ideas.

The New York Times - Books

They can then expand on this.

The Guardian

Could you expand on that a little?

The Guardian - Books

Could you please expand on that?

The Guardian

The idea was to expand on Hasbro's most popular properties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expand on", ensure that you are adding new and relevant information, not just repeating what has already been said. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.

Common error

Avoid using "expand on" as a filler phrase. Instead, focus on providing meaningful and insightful details that genuinely contribute to the discussion. If you cannot offer additional value, rephrase or omit the phrase entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "expand on" primarily functions as a request for further explanation or elaboration. As Ludwig AI notes, it prompts someone to provide more details or insights about a topic. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

38%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expand on" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrasal verb that asks for more detailed information or further explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While alternatives like ""elaborate on"" or ""go into detail about"" exist, understanding the nuances of when and how to use "expand on" effectively enhances clarity and precision in communication. Remember to provide substantial information when using this phrase, avoiding redundancy and filler content. As demonstrated, "expand on" is a versatile tool for engaging in meaningful and insightful discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elaborate on

Focuses on adding more details and information to clarify a point.

go into detail about

Suggests a thorough exploration of a topic, providing comprehensive information.

develop further

Emphasizes the progression and advancement of an idea or concept.

amplify

Highlights the intention to increase the prominence or intensity of a statement.

flesh out

Indicates an effort to make something more complete and substantial by adding details.

detail

Focuses on providing specific pieces of information or aspects of something.

explain in greater detail

Explicitly asks for a more thorough explanation.

offer more context

Emphasizes the provision of background information to better understand a situation.

spell out

Implies a clear and straightforward explanation, leaving no room for ambiguity.

expound on

Suggests a formal and extensive discussion of a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "expand on" in a sentence?

You can use "expand on" when you want someone to provide more information about a topic. For example, "Could you "elaborate on" your previous statement?"

What does "expand on" mean?

The phrase "expand on" means to elaborate, provide more details, or develop an idea further. It's often used to ask for a more comprehensive explanation or discussion.

Is it correct to say "expand upon" instead of "expand on"?

While "expand upon" is grammatically correct, "expand on" is more commonly used in modern English. Both convey the same meaning.

What are some alternatives to "expand on"?

You can use alternatives like "elaborate on", "go into detail about", or "develop further" depending on the context.