expands on itself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expands on itself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a concept or idea that develops or elaborates further on its own premise or foundation. Example: "The theory of relativity expands on itself, introducing new dimensions of understanding in physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This show expands on his project.

The New York Times - Arts

Schrad's book expands on this theme.

The New Yorker

Don DeLillo expands on it in "Underworld" (Scribner).

The New York Times - Books

Alpern expands on that point.

Science Magazine

Here he expands on that.

Forbes

Sara expands on her meaning with exemplification.

Functional Linguistics

The next point expands on this.

Forbes

The first chapter expands on this view.

Springer

Gerd expands on this.

Vice

Channel Criswell expands on that idea in the video below.

Vice

Our study expands on these earlier reports.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expands on itself" when you want to emphasize the self-referential or self-generating nature of a concept's development. This suggests that the concept's growth is internally driven.

Common error

Avoid using "expands on itself" when you mean that something is being expanded by external forces or additions. The phrase implies an internal, self-driven process of elaboration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expands on itself" functions as a verb phrase that describes a process of self-elaboration or self-development. It indicates that something is growing or developing based on its own internal mechanisms or principles. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "expands on itself" is a grammatically correct but relatively uncommon expression used to describe the self-driven development or elaboration of a concept or system. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While it can be used in various contexts, it's important to note that its core meaning emphasizes an internal process. Alternative phrases such as "builds upon itself" or "elaborates on its own premise" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is genuinely developing from within, not simply being expanded by external factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

builds upon itself

Emphasizes the additive nature of the development, where each stage is based on the previous one.

elaborates on its own premise

Highlights the idea that the expansion originates from the initial assumption or foundation.

develops its own themes

Focuses on the evolution and unfolding of specific topics or motifs inherent within the subject.

extends its own scope

Suggests a broadening of the subject's reach or influence from its initial boundaries.

unfolds from within

Implies that the expansion is intrinsic and emerges naturally from the core of the subject.

grows organically

Conveys a sense of natural, unforced development, similar to a living organism.

self-amplifies

Emphasizes the self-driven and increasing nature of the expansion or development.

recursively defines itself

Highlights a process where the subject's definition is continually refined and expanded through self-reference.

iteratively improves

Focuses on a step-by-step process of enhancement where each iteration builds upon the last.

bootstraps its own understanding

Suggests a process where initial limited knowledge leads to an expanded and more comprehensive understanding.

FAQs

What does it mean when a concept "expands on itself"?

It means that the concept develops and elaborates its own ideas or principles, without needing external input. The development is intrinsic and self-referential.

What are some alternatives to saying "expands on itself"?

You can use alternatives like "builds upon itself", "elaborates on its own premise", or "develops its own themes" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "expands on itself" grammatically correct?

Yes, "expands on itself" is grammatically correct, although it's a relatively uncommon phrase. It follows the standard structure of a verb followed by a preposition and a reflexive pronoun.

Can you provide an example of how to use "expands on itself" in a sentence?

The theory of evolution "expands on itself", continually incorporating new findings and adapting to changing understandings of the natural world.