please expand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please expand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting someone to provide more detail or elaboration on a topic or idea. Example: "Could you please expand on your thoughts regarding the project timeline?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Please expand this section in 2012.

The New York Times - Magazine

Please expand your search.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Could you please expand on that?

The Guardian

Please expand upon the definition (specifically "will was overborne"), provide examples of what may fall within the defence, and does this defence require violent or physical acts?

The Guardian

Please expand upon the definition (specifically "will was overborne"), provide examples of what may fall within the defence, and does this defence require violence or physical threats.

The Guardian

Please expand upon the definition, specifically "was will overborne".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

By highlighting the best observations and content extensions (with links, please) you expand your network outward, empower creators and incentivize sustained participation.

The New York Times

Clinical Findings: Please greatly expand this section.

F1000Research

Please, either expand the section by considering the same set of processes as in 1D case or remove it.

Biology Direct

What are his vital signs, visual acuity, body habitus, body hair distribution, tanner stage, penile size, etc? Please greatly expand this section.

F1000Research

For a complete listing of EYH conference, please visit Expanding Your Horizons Network.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting elaboration, consider the audience and adjust your language. In formal settings, "please elaborate" may be more appropriate than "please expand".

Common error

Avoid using "please expand" without indicating what specifically needs more detail. Vague requests can lead to unfocused or irrelevant responses. Be specific to guide the speaker effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please expand" functions as a polite imperative, specifically a request. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to solicit additional details or elaboration on a preceding statement or topic. The examples show it used to request further explanation in discussions, reports, and research papers.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please expand" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase for politely requesting more detail or elaboration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable across a range of contexts, from academic discussions and scientific papers to news articles and general communication. While versatile, specificity in the request is key to eliciting a focused and relevant response. Alternatives such as "please elaborate" or "please provide more detail" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

please elaborate

A more formal way to ask for more details.

please provide more detail

Directly asks for additional details on the subject.

can you elaborate further

A polite inquiry for further explanation.

could you clarify that

Asks for clarification on a specific point, implying it may be unclear.

please explain in more detail

Requests a more detailed explanation.

please give us more information

Requests more information about the topic at hand.

please say more about that

Encourages the speaker to provide additional comments.

please delve deeper

Suggests exploring the topic in greater depth.

please shed more light on that

Asks for more insight or explanation, especially if the topic is complex.

please offer a fuller explanation

Indicates that a more comprehensive explanation is desired.

FAQs

What does "please expand" mean?

The phrase "please expand" is a polite request for someone to provide more detail or information about a particular topic or statement. It's commonly used to encourage elaboration and a more comprehensive explanation.

When is it appropriate to use "please expand"?

It's appropriate to use "please expand" when you need more details or clarification on a topic. It's suitable in both professional and academic settings when seeking further explanation from someone.

What are some alternatives to saying "please expand"?

Alternatives to "please expand" include "please elaborate", "please provide more detail", or "could you clarify that". The choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

How do I use "please expand" in a sentence?

You can use "please expand" by following it with the specific topic or aspect you want more information on. For example, "Please expand on your findings" or "Please expand this section in 2012".