spelled out

USAGE SUMMARY

"spelled out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is very clear or obvious, for example: "The consequences of his actions were spelled out".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They weren't spelled out".

The New York Times

I spelled out my grievances.

The Guardian - Tech

Republicans have not spelled out those cuts.

The New York Times

"That has to be clearly spelled out".

The New York Times - Sports

They are spelled out in precise dollars.

The New York Times

He spelled out a scenario.

The New York Times

Why must every motivation be spelled out?

The Guardian - Film

Nothing is ever spelled out or overloaded.

The Guardian - Arts

The placards spelled out: "Kasich for us.

The Guardian

They were spelled out, and they weren't.

The New York Times - Magazine

Everything is spelled out in wordy sentences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spelled out" when you want to emphasize that something has been made exceptionally clear or detailed, leaving no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "spelled out" in casual conversations where a more relaxed tone is appropriate. Opt for simpler alternatives like "explained" or "clarified" to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "spelled out" functions as a modifier, indicating that something has been explained or presented in a very clear and detailed manner. It emphasizes the absence of ambiguity, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "spelled out" is a common and effective way to communicate that something has been explained with exceptional clarity and detail. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is used across various contexts, with a strong presence in news and media, science, and general discussions. When using "spelled out", ensure it aligns with the intended tone and audience, opting for simpler alternatives in more informal settings. Remember, its primary function is to remove ambiguity and ensure comprehensive understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly stated

Focuses on the clarity and directness of the statement.

explicitly defined

Emphasizes the precise and unambiguous nature of the definition.

detailed explanation

Highlights the thoroughness and completeness of the explanation.

laid out in detail

Suggests a structured and comprehensive presentation.

made clear

Focuses on the act of clarification and removal of ambiguity.

articulated clearly

Highlights the fluency and comprehensibility of the expression.

precisely outlined

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of the outline.

expressly stated

Indicates that something is directly and unambiguously mentioned.

fully explained

Stresses the completeness of the explanation, leaving no room for doubt.

plainly expressed

Highlights the simplicity and ease of understanding in the expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "spelled out" to indicate that something has been explained very clearly and in detail. For example, "The instructions were "clearly spelled out", so there was no confusion."

What does "spelled out" mean?

"Spelled out" means explained in a very clear, detailed, and explicit manner, leaving no room for ambiguity or misunderstanding.

What are some alternatives to "spelled out"?

Alternatives to "spelled out" include "clearly stated", "explicitly defined", or "detailed explanation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to have things "spelled out"?

While clarity is generally beneficial, over-explaining can sometimes be condescending or unnecessary. It's important to gauge your audience and the situation to determine the appropriate level of detail.