to elucidate

USAGE SUMMARY

'to elucidate' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to explain something in a clear and concise way. For example, "The professor began to elucidate on the history of the Civil War."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Allow us to elucidate.

The Guardian - Music

Permit me to elucidate.

The Guardian - Books

"One transcribed the puzzle, attempting to elucidate".

The New York Times - Books

Beckett did not deign to elucidate or accommodate.

The New York Times

Thinking about water waves helps to elucidate the solution.

The New Yorker

Comparative perspective to elucidate global dimensions.

Stanford University

He opposes abortion; she declines to elucidate her feelings.

The New York Times

She is working to elucidate the mechanisms underlying antidepressant efficacy.

Nature

The exact mechanism requires further studies to elucidate.

Nature

We explored metabolomics to elucidate distinctive BM metabolism signatures.

Nature

Tonight, by contrast, he seems to elucidate its power.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to elucidate" when you want to add a sophisticated tone to your writing while explaining something complex. This phrase works particularly well in academic papers, legal documents, or formal presentations.

Common error

Avoid using "to elucidate" when a simpler word like "explain" or "clarify" would suffice. Overusing sophisticated language can make your writing sound pretentious or confusing for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to elucidate" functions as an infinitive verb phrase, typically used transitively. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to clarify or explain something, making it easier to understand. Examples in Ludwig show it introducing explanations in academic papers and news articles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

30%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to elucidate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive verb phrase that means to clarify or explain something in detail. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for formal contexts such as academic papers, scientific articles, and legal documents. Its primary function is to enhance understanding by shedding light on complex topics. While widely accepted, it's best to avoid overusing it in simple explanations to maintain clarity and avoid pretentiousness. Related phrases include "to clarify", "to explain", and "to shed light on", each with subtle differences in formality and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to clarify

This alternative is more direct and less formal, often used for simpler explanations.

to explain

This alternative is a general term for making something understandable, suitable for broad contexts.

to clarify further

This alternative suggests a continuation of a previous explanation, adding more detail.

to shed light on

This alternative implies revealing something previously unknown or unclear.

to make clear

This alternative is a simpler and more straightforward way of saying "to elucidate".

to spell out

This alternative suggests explaining something in a very detailed and explicit manner.

to explicate

This alternative is a more formal synonym, often used in academic or literary contexts.

to illuminate

This alternative implies making something clearer by providing new information or a different perspective.

to demystify

This alternative focuses on removing the mystery or complexity from something.

to unravel

This alternative suggests disentangling a complex or confusing situation to make it easier to understand.

FAQs

How can I use "to elucidate" in a sentence?

You can use "to elucidate" to introduce a clarification or detailed explanation. For example, "The professor used a diagram "to elucidate" the complex chemical process".

What are some alternatives to "to elucidate"?

Alternatives include "to clarify", "to explain", "to shed light on", or "to make clear". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "elucidate" a formal word?

Yes, "elucidate" is considered a formal word. It's often used in academic, scientific, or legal contexts where precise and thorough explanations are needed. Using it in everyday conversation might sound overly sophisticated.

What's the difference between "to elucidate" and "to clarify"?

"To elucidate" implies a more detailed and thorough explanation, often involving complex concepts. "To clarify" is generally used for simpler explanations aimed at removing confusion or ambiguity. So, use "to clarify" when something is simply unclear, and "to elucidate" when something requires a deeper understanding.