expounding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expounding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain or elaborate on a particular topic or idea in detail. Example: "In her lecture, she spent a considerable amount of time expounding on the principles of quantum mechanics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hockney supplies an idiosyncratic commentary, expounding his forthright views on everything from the state of modern art to why crinkled chips are preferable, because there's more surface area.

The Guardian - Arts

Contrary to all the theories that – that they are expounding, there should have been warming over the last 15 years.

The Guardian

Seated at a coffee table at Black Hat, a conference for the cyber-security industry held in Las Vegas recently, Mr Kurtz is expounding on the fundamental flaw he sees in the way many firms deal with cyber-intrusions.

The Economist

Expounding on the subject during a recent visit to London, he began with two accurate assertions.

The Economist

Soon after, the pair began expounding plans to import market reforms from, of all places, Sweden.

The Economist

"Publicly, I'm never worried about France; I trust," says one official wryly, before expounding how trusting is now hard.

The Economist

A.C. Grayling, an academic philosopher, has a fiercer subject in view: he wants to track men's arguments about the nature and source of morality by expounding the evils of religion and lauding the progress of science.Religion, of course, deserves all it gets from him as a means of oppression and a cause of war.

The Economist

As Britain's prime minister, he was both passionately religious and shy of expounding his creed in public (for fear, as he once said, of being thought a nutter).

The Economist

Mr Posner's approach is essentially hollow, amounting to little more than a demand that people not think too deeply about issues.The second problem with many of Mr Posner's ideas is that they seem inappropriate for a senior judge to be expounding.

The Economist

This suggests that any earth-like planets around other stars are likely to lack such a moon, and thus may not have stable enough climates to allow the evolution of advanced lifeforms.In expounding this "rare earth" theory, the authors draw on research from a number of diverse fields of study.

The Economist

Well, yes, some did die during the second world war, but most stayed on, cunningly taking Christian names to avoid detection.Just a few minutes before Miroslaw was expounding such guff, he was engrossed in pious prayer within the sanctuary of St Brigida's church in Gdansk, a famous rallying point for the Solidarity movement in the early years of struggle against Soviet communism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expounding" when you want to convey a sense of thorough and detailed explanation, often in a formal or academic context. It's especially effective when discussing complex or abstract topics.

Common error

Avoid using "expounding" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday settings. Simpler terms like "explaining" or "detailing" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "expounding" is as a verb, specifically the present participle or gerund form. It describes the action of explaining something in detail, often implying a structured and thorough presentation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable English term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expounding" functions as a verb used to describe the act of explaining something in detail. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in formal English. It is frequently used in contexts such as news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, indicating a formal register. To prevent misuse, avoid using "expounding" in casual conversations. Instead, simpler terms like "explaining" or "detailing" can be more appropriate. Remember that the goal is always clear communication, and choosing the right words for the situation is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elaborating on

Focuses on adding more detail to an existing explanation.

expanding upon

Implies a broadening of scope or coverage.

detailing

Emphasizes the provision of specific details.

explaining in detail

A more direct and straightforward way to express thorough explanation.

clarifying

Focuses on making something easier to understand.

illustrating

Uses examples to make something clearer.

interpreting

Focuses on explaining the meaning of something.

analyzing

Involves a more structured breakdown and examination.

commenting on

Implies adding one's own opinions or insights.

discussing at length

Highlights the duration and thoroughness of the explanation.

FAQs

How do you use "expounding" in a sentence?

"Expounding" is typically used as a verb to describe the act of explaining something in detail. For example: "The professor spent the lecture "expounding" the intricacies of quantum physics."

What are some alternatives to "expounding"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "elaborating on", "explaining in detail", or "detailing". These options can provide a similar meaning with varying degrees of formality.

Is "expounding" formal or informal?

"Expounding" tends to be more formal. Using simpler terms might be better suited for a casual conversation, while "expounding" is suitable for academic or professional discussions.

What's the difference between "expounding" and "explaining"?

While both involve making something clear, "expounding" suggests a more thorough and detailed explanation than simply "explaining". "Expounding" often implies a more structured and comprehensive presentation of information.