expand on this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expand on this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to provide more details or elaboration on a specific topic or idea. Example: "Can you please expand on this point during your presentation to give us a clearer understanding?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although we won't expand on this analysis here, one observation was noteworthy.

Princeton University

Can you expand on this?

The New York Times

Both expand on this idea.

The Guardian - Opinion

Could you expand on this?

Harvard University

They can then expand on this.

The Guardian

How should we expand on this claim?

University of California, Berkeley

Now can we expand on this delightful escapade?

The New York Times - Arts

We were determined to expand on this idea.

Harvard Business Review

Pangaea enables us to expand on this quality at scale, with similarly trusted and respected partners.

The Guardian

We expect President [Jim Yong] Kim to expand on this vision in the coming weeks".

The Guardian

He goes on to expand on this theme at some length: "It don't sound like garage!

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or formal settings, consider using "elaborate on this" as a slightly more sophisticated alternative to "expand on this".

Common error

While "expand on this" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "elaborate", "detail", or "clarify" to maintain a more engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expand on this" functions as a request for further information or clarification. Grammatically, it combines the verb "expand" with the preposition "on" and the demonstrative pronoun "this" to prompt the speaker to elaborate on a previously mentioned point. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expand on this" is a versatile phrase used to request more detailed information or clarification. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "elaborate" may be preferred in academic or scientific writing. To enhance your writing, vary your language and avoid overuse. Remember, this phrase, as shown by Ludwig, aims to deepen understanding and elicit insightful elaborations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elaborate on this

This phrase is a direct synonym, suggesting to provide more detail and complexity.

go into more detail about this

This alternative emphasizes the act of providing additional specifics and particulars.

provide further explanation of this

This suggests a need for clarification and a more comprehensive understanding.

explain this in greater depth

This highlights the need for a deeper, more thorough explanation.

offer additional insights on this

This implies a desire for more perceptive and nuanced understanding.

give more context to this

Focuses on providing background information to better understand the subject.

add more information about this

This is a general request for more data or facts related to the topic.

say more about this

A simple and direct way to ask for further comments or details.

develop this idea further

Suggests building upon an existing concept to create a more comprehensive picture.

shed more light on this

Implies clarifying something that is currently unclear or not well understood.

FAQs

What does "expand on this" mean?

The phrase "expand on this" means to provide more details, explanation, or information about a particular topic or statement. It's a request for further elaboration.

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

You can use "expand on this" as a question or a polite request. For example, "Could you please expand on this point?" or "I'm interested in hearing you expand on this further."

What can I say instead of "expand on this"?

You can use alternatives like "elaborate on this", "go into more detail about this", or "provide further explanation of this" depending on the context.

Is "expand on this" formal or informal?

"Expand on this" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, you might prefer "elaborate on this".