to elaborate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to elaborate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to provide more details or explanations about a topic or idea. Example: "Could you please elaborate on your point regarding the project's timeline?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(He declines to elaborate).

The New York Times

He declined to elaborate.

The New York Times

He refused to elaborate.

The New York Times

She declined to elaborate.

The New York Times

Blevins declined to elaborate.

The New York Times - Sports

Did he care to elaborate?

The New Yorker

Stephenson hardly needed to elaborate.

The Guardian - Film

The university declined to elaborate.

The New York Times

Mr. Kerry needs to elaborate.

The New York Times

I.R.S. officials declined to elaborate.

The New York Times

But he declines to elaborate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to elaborate" when you want to invite someone to provide further details or explanations, ensuring that the context and purpose are clear to the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "to elaborate" repeatedly in formal documents. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "to expand upon", "to detail", or "to clarify further" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a broader vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to elaborate" functions primarily as an infinitive verb phrase, often used with another verb like "asked", "declined", or "needs". It serves as an adverbial of purpose, indicating the intention to provide more detail or explanation, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to elaborate" is a very common and grammatically correct infinitive verb phrase used to request or offer further explanation. It is versatile enough for use in news, business, and general contexts, as Ludwig confirms. While "to elaborate" is widely accepted, consider diversifying your vocabulary with synonyms such as "to expand upon" or "to go into detail" to enhance your writing. Avoiding overuse and ensuring clarity of context are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to expand upon

Replaces "elaborate" with "expand", suggesting a broader development of the topic.

to go into detail

Focuses on providing specific details, rather than a general explanation.

to provide more information

Offers a more general way to say that additional details will be given.

to clarify further

Highlights the purpose of making something clearer through additional explanation.

to expound on

A more formal way of saying "to elaborate", implying a detailed and organized explanation.

to flesh out

Suggests adding more substance and detail to a topic that is currently incomplete.

to develop further

Indicates a continuation of growth and explanation.

to offer a fuller explanation

Implies giving a more complete and comprehensive account.

to paint a clearer picture

Focuses on creating a more vivid and understandable image through detailed explanation.

to add more context

Emphasizes providing background information to better understand the situation.

FAQs

How do you use "to elaborate" in a sentence?

You can use "to elaborate" to ask someone to provide more details about something. For example, "Could you please "to elaborate" on your previous statement?"

What are some alternatives to "to elaborate"?

Alternatives to "to elaborate" include "to expand upon", "to go into detail", or "to clarify further". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "elaborate on" without "to"?

Yes, "elaborate on" is also correct. It's often used directly as a verb phrase, like in the sentence, "Please elaborate on your reasons for this decision."

What's the difference between "to elaborate" and "to explain"?

"To explain" is a general term for making something understandable. "To elaborate" implies providing more details and expanding on what has already been said. You might "to explain" a concept, and then "to elaborate" on specific aspects of it.