say more about

USAGE SUMMARY

"say more about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to explain something in more detail. For example: "Can you say more about how this policy affects students?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

SARAH GREEN CARMICHAEL: Say more about that.

Harvard Business Review

(They declined to say more about it).

The New York Times

Unfortunately, this may say more about Henne.

The New York Times

Can you say more about your childhood?

The Guardian - Books

JV: Can you say more about that?

The Guardian

Python package will say more about it (it's better documented).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Again, I will say more about that later.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We say more about this in a later section.

Cornell University

Can you say more about the directions we shouldn't go?

Princeton University

We will say more about this in Section 7.1.5.

Stanford University

The answer may say more about AES than China.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In interviews or conversations, "say more about" can foster deeper engagement and uncover nuanced perspectives.

Common error

While "say more about" is suitable for spoken conversation, overuse in formal writing can sound repetitive. Consider using more varied prompts for elaboration, such as "elaborate on", "explain further", or "provide additional context".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "say more about" functions as an interrogative prompt. Its primary function is to solicit further explanation, detail, or clarification from the speaker. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts to encourage elaboration on a topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

28%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "say more about" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for encouraging further elaboration or clarification. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various domains. While highly versatile, it's crucial to consider the register and context, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing to avoid sounding repetitive. Remember to use it strategically to foster deeper engagement and uncover nuanced perspectives. Related phrases like ""elaborate on"" and "tell me more about" can serve as valuable substitutes, depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tell me more about

This option is slightly more conversational and encourages a narrative response.

can you expand on that

This is a polite way to ask for more detail, suitable for both formal and informal conversations.

elaborate on

This alternative is more concise and direct, often used in formal settings.

explain further

This alternative is a straightforward request for clarification or additional information.

give me more details

This option is direct and focused on obtaining specific information.

what else can you tell me

This phrase invites additional information beyond what has already been shared.

what are the specifics

This alternative is direct and emphasizes the need for precise information.

in what way

This is a more focused question, seeking clarification on a particular aspect.

walk me through it

This phrase requests a step-by-step explanation or demonstration.

what does that mean in practice

This alternative seeks a practical application or real-world example.

FAQs

How can I use "say more about" in a sentence?

You can use "say more about" to ask someone to elaborate on a topic. For example, "That's an interesting idea; can you "say more about" it?"

What is a more formal alternative to "say more about"?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "Could you "elaborate on" that?" or "Please "provide further details"" as alternatives to "say more about".

When is it appropriate to use "say more about"?

"Say more about" is appropriate when you want someone to expand on a previous statement and provide more information or clarification. It is commonly used in conversations, interviews, and therapeutic settings.

Is "say more about" too informal for academic writing?

Yes, "say more about" is generally considered too informal for academic writing. Opt for more formal phrases such as "explain further", "elaborate on this point", or "provide additional context" in academic papers.