spelt out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spelt out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has been explained clearly and in detail. Example: "The terms of the agreement were spelt out in the contract to avoid any confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is spelt out in its forward guidance.

The Economist

That qualification is now being spelt out by the judges.

The Economist

He has not yet spelt out any details.

The Economist

The Kremlin has not publicly spelt out its plans.

The Guardian

14) MAGNUS CARLSEN is spelt out by the previous 13.

The Guardian - Sport

For Tait it spelt out the reasons he joined Leicester.

The Guardian - Sport

That language was spelt out in Ashton's latest letter.

The Guardian

But the actual procedures for co-ordination have barely been spelt out, let alone rehearsed.

The Economist

"Damian is currently obsessed with the word 'sex', spelt out as in S-E-X.

Independent

It is spelt out in a 549-page draft education plan recently leaked to the press.

The Economist

Is the word "sex" really spelt out by the clouds in The Lion King?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spelt out" when you want to emphasize that something has been explained clearly and comprehensively, leaving no room for ambiguity. For example, "The contract spelt out all the obligations of each party."

Common error

While "spelt out" is appropriate in many formal and professional contexts, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "explained" or "described" might be more suitable in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spelt out" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used in the passive voice. Its primary grammatical function is to indicate that something has been explained or described in a clear and detailed manner. It emphasizes the explicitness of the information provided, as seen in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spelt out" is a versatile phrasal verb used to emphasize the clarity and explicitness of information. As Ludwig AI underlines, its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's best suited for situations where thorough explanation is key. Be mindful of overusing it in informal conversations, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. The phrase is most frequently found in News and Media, Science and Formal & Business context and its alternatives include "detailed out", "articulated out", and "explained in detail".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explained in detail

Directly conveys the act of making something clear through extensive explanation.

made explicit

Focuses on removing any ambiguity and making something perfectly clear.

laid out clearly

Indicates that something has been presented in an organized and easy-to-understand manner.

detailed out

Focuses on providing a high level of detail; often used when describing plans or procedures.

articulated out

Emphasizes the clear and effective expression of ideas or intentions.

clarified thoroughly

Emphasizes that a topic has been explained until all doubts or misunderstandings are resolved.

written out

Highlights the fact that something is documented in writing for clarity and permanence.

specified precisely

Highlights the act of defining something with a high degree of accuracy and exactness.

outlined out

Implies providing a structured overview or summary of something.

set forth

Suggests a formal or official declaration or presentation of information.

FAQs

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

You can use "spelt out" to indicate that something has been explained clearly and in detail. For instance, "The company's policy on remote work is "laid out clearly" in the employee handbook".

What are some alternatives to "spelt out"?

Alternatives include "detailed out", "articulated out", or "explained in detail". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "spelt out" or "spelled out"?

"Spelt out" is the preferred spelling in British English, while "spelled out" is more common in American English. Both are grammatically correct, but choose the one that aligns with your target audience.

What's the difference between "spelt out" and "implied"?

"Spelt out" means something is explicitly stated, while "implied" means something is suggested without being directly expressed. For example, the document "detailed out" all the project requirements; the deadline, however, was merely implied.