spell out

USAGE SUMMARY

"spell out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English and it can be used when you want to explain something more clearly or give more detail.
For example, "Can you spell out the terms of the agreement for me?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

spell out?

The New York Times

So spell out the two ways.

Yale University

The legislation does not spell out how.

The New York Times

She did not, however, spell out details.

The Guardian

But he didn't spell out many details.

The New Yorker

Always spell out numbers when beginning a sentence.

Cornell University

So let me spell out its benefits here.

Cornell University

Please spell out "School of Information" on first reference.

University of California, Berkeley

Yet it does not spell out what this means.

The Economist

The law did not spell out how to do so.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is notoriously hard to spell-out this seeming availability.

Biology and Philosophy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spell out", ensure you provide a level of detail appropriate for your audience. Avoid over-explaining obvious points, which can be perceived as condescending.

Common error

While "spell out" is generally acceptable, overuse in informal conversations can sound overly formal or even impatient. Opt for simpler alternatives like "explain" or "detail" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spell out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. Ludwig examples show it's used to instruct someone to provide explicit details or clarify something. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

28%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "spell out" is a versatile tool for ensuring clarity and detail in communication. As shown by Ludwig's examples and Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and wiki environments. When deploying "spell out", consider your audience and the context to avoid sounding overly formal or condescending. Remember to first introduce acronyms by spelling them out completely on the first use. For situations where detailed explanations are not needed, alternatives such as "clarify" or "outline" may be more suitable. "Spell out" can improve your writing by making it detailed and understandable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lay out

Indicates presenting information in a clear and organized manner.

specify

Emphasizes stating something precisely, differing from providing extensive details.

break down

Suggests dividing a complex topic into simpler parts for better understanding.

clarify

Focuses on making something easier to understand, differing from detailing every aspect.

elucidate

Involves making something clear and easy to understand, often by providing additional information.

detail

Highlights providing comprehensive information, but not necessarily in a step-by-step manner.

flesh out

Focuses on adding more details to an existing idea or plan.

explicate

Involves a more formal and thorough analysis, diverging from a simple explanation.

outline

Indicates giving a summary of the key points, contrasting with a comprehensive detailing.

enumerate

Focuses on listing items or points individually, rather than a general explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "spell out" in a sentence?

You can use "spell out" when you need to explain something in detail. For instance, "Could you "spell out" the steps involved in the process?"

What does "spell out" mean?

The phrase "spell out" typically means to explain something in a very clear, detailed way, leaving no room for misunderstanding. It can also mean to form a word from individual letters.

What are some alternatives to "spell out"?

Alternatives to "spell out" include "clarify", "detail", "explicate", or "lay out", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to "spell out" acronyms or use them directly?

In formal writing, it's best to "spell out" an acronym the first time you use it, followed by the acronym in parentheses. This ensures your audience understands the term. For example, "National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)".