expounded upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"expounded upon" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an idea or concept that has been explained in detail or at length. Example: The speaker expounded upon the advantages of using renewable energy sources for the environment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This idea is expounded upon in his book.

The New Yorker

And he expounded upon what he called his moth theory, that people are attracted to light.

The New York Times - Arts

His father confirmed and expounded upon his son's intentions in a telephone interview Sunday.

The New York Times - Sports

He expounded upon that world from a perch about as far removed from it as possible.

The New York Times - Arts

The prisoners' story was expounded upon at great length to the shivering, bareheaded multitudes by President-elect William Howard Taft.

The New York Times

Fujimoto expounded upon that philosophy in Fujimoto Sōsuke genshotekina mirai no kenchiku (2008; Sou Fujimoto: Primitive Future).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The popularity of the game led to a cinematic adaptation, Warcraft (2016), which expounded upon the mythology of Azeroth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The description of "patient simulator" actors in medical education ("Medical Students Get Taste of Real-Life Doctoring") expounded upon the virtues of convenience and uniformity.

The New York Times - Science

Updike often expounded upon characters from earlier novels, eliding decades of their lives only to place them in the middle of new adventures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He gave an infamous interview to "60 Minutes" in April, during which he expounded upon his anti-snitching ethos, going so far as to claim he wouldn't turn in the hypothetical serial killer next-door.

The New York Times - Arts

The cover now shouts the editors' selection of the most important review of the week (a choice I would just as soon make for myself), which is further expounded upon in the loud and self-indulgent Up Front column.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expounded upon" when you want to emphasize that a subject was discussed in great detail or with considerable explanation. It suggests a thorough and comprehensive treatment of the topic.

Common error

Avoid using "expounded upon" in overly simple contexts where a more straightforward term like "explained" or "detailed" would suffice. Choose language that matches the complexity of the subject matter and the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expounded upon" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a phrasal verb with a preposition. It signifies the action of providing a detailed explanation or commentary on a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Lifestyle

2%

Arts

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expounded upon" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrasal verb that signifies a detailed explanation or commentary. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its formal register and frequent appearance in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications suggest a usage best suited for contexts where thoroughness and expertise are valued. While alternatives like "elaborated on" or "detailed" may be suitable in certain situations, "expounded upon" carries a unique emphasis on the depth of the explanation. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and complexity of the subject matter to avoid appearing pretentious. Understanding these nuances will enable more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elaborated on

Focuses on adding more details or information to what has already been said.

expanded on

Suggests a broadening of the scope or coverage of a topic.

detailed

Indicates providing thorough and specific information.

enlarged on

Implies making something bigger or more extensive in explanation.

developed further

Suggests taking an idea or concept and evolving it to a more advanced stage.

gave more detail about

Straightforward way of saying more information was provided.

went into greater depth on

Focuses on a more thorough examination of a particular aspect.

clarified in detail

Highlights the act of making something clearer through extensive explanation.

commented extensively on

Focuses on providing significant commentary or remarks.

analyzed at length

Highlights a detailed analysis or examination over a considerable duration or extent.

FAQs

How can I use "expounded upon" in a sentence?

You can use "expounded upon" to indicate that someone has provided a detailed explanation or commentary on a subject. For example: "The professor "expounded upon" the complexities of quantum physics."

What are some alternatives to "expounded upon"?

Alternatives include "elaborated on", "detailed", or "explained at length". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

While "expounded on" is also grammatically correct, "expounded upon" is generally considered more formal and emphasizes the thoroughness of the explanation. Both options are acceptable, but choose the one that best fits the tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "expounded upon" and "summarized"?

"Expounded upon" means to provide a detailed explanation, while "summarized" means to give a brief overview. These terms are opposites. Use "expounded upon" when you want to delve into the details, and "summarized" when you want to provide a concise account.