expanding on something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expanding on something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to elaborate or provide more details about a particular topic or idea. Example: "In my presentation, I will be expanding on the key findings of our research to provide a clearer understanding of the implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you wish to in any way clarify or expand on something or say that you said – something in the heat of the moment but you no longer think it?' "And he looked me in the eye and said, 'That's what I said.' So there's no controversy about that.

The Guardian

"I mean, Henry wants to just expand on something," he said.

Huffington Post

You can even expand on something you started, and make it something else.

WikiHow

You can go back and clarify a point that may have been confusing, cut short the description of a subplot if the producer looks bored, and expand on something that has piqued the producer's interest.

WikiHow

A brief thought on something I'll try to expand on later.

The New York Times

"This was a tradition I was going to expand on, not something out of the blue".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expanding on the comedic aspects, something Ford considered whilst writing the episode was that "the trick is to have the comedy come out of the characters" rather than the scenario itself.

Wikipedia

Expanding on their short film "Waiting for Something" — shot mere months before Lindsey's cocaine-related death in 2010 at 29 — the filmmakers returned to the singer's hometown, Memphis, to check in with those who remembered him best.

The New York Times

And, of course, he never got tired of expanding on the exponents of hitting baseballs, something he called "the single most difficult thing to do in sport -- where you're great even when you fail 7 out of 10 times".

The New York Times - Sports

"Once you take on something that broad," he argues, "you also expand all the legal infirmities".

Science Magazine

But one idea that began with a focus on one event on June 17 , 1994 expanded into something bigger.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "expanding on something", ensure you provide concrete examples and specific details to support your points. Avoid vague generalizations.

Common error

Avoid "expanding on something" without providing specific details or examples. Ensure your elaboration adds substance and clarity, rather than simply repeating the original point in different words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expanding on something" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the action of providing more details or elaborating on a specific topic. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is used to clarify or add information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expanding on something" is a versatile phrase used to denote the act of providing more details or elaborating on a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news articles and academic papers to general writing. When using the phrase, it's crucial to provide concrete examples and specific details to support your points and avoid vague generalizations. Alternatives include "elaborating on something" and "expounding on something", each offering a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elaborating on something

Focuses on providing more details and information.

expounding on something

Implies a more detailed and thorough explanation.

developing something further

Suggests taking an idea or topic and building upon it.

going into more detail about something

Directly indicates providing additional specifics.

providing more context for something

Emphasizes adding background information and understanding.

fleshing out something

Suggests adding substance and completeness to an idea.

amplifying something

Implies increasing the scope or impact of something.

augmenting something

Focuses on adding or enhancing something that already exists.

building on something

Highlights the act of constructing upon a foundation.

unpacking something

Implies revealing and explaining the different aspects of something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "expanding on something" in writing?

To effectively use "expanding on something", follow up the phrase with specific details, examples, or explanations that provide a more thorough understanding of the topic you're discussing. Consider using transition words like 'for example', 'in addition', or 'furthermore' to signal that you're elaborating.

What are some alternatives to "expanding on something"?

You can use alternatives like "elaborating on something", "expounding on something", or "developing something further" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "expanding on something further"?

While not grammatically incorrect, saying "expanding on something further" can be slightly redundant. The word "expanding" already implies adding more detail, so "expanding on something" alone is usually sufficient. If you want to emphasize the extent of elaboration, consider using a more descriptive phrase.

When is it appropriate to use "expanding on something" in formal writing?

It's appropriate to use "expanding on something" in formal writing when you need to provide additional details or explanations to support your claims or arguments. Ensure that your elaboration is relevant, concise, and contributes to the overall clarity and understanding of your message.