to enlarge upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to enlarge upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to provide more details or elaborate on a particular topic or idea. Example: "Could you please enlarge upon your proposal during the meeting so that everyone understands your vision?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Vi, an ex-hairdresser, is the most vituperative and has a criminal past it would be a pity to enlarge upon.

The Guardian

I would simply mention it, in an interdisciplinary vein, and encourage students to ask their social science teacher to enlarge upon the idea.

The New York Times

The proposal doesn't address the issue of byline, which in the long history of publishers trying to enlarge upon the legacy of the deceased has often made a difference in how follow-ups are received.

The New York Times - Magazine

And Villella is unusual in being able to communicate his passion… Not long ago, I asked him to enlarge upon his statement that dancing is about freedom, not discipline.

The New Yorker

Author, with an eye to the movies wanting to do a picture of his own life, is pointing out a few of the more dramatic episodes in his life, and suggesting how they may be enhanced - screen writers are, of course, expected to find ways to enlarge upon them.

The New Yorker

Among Peter's many eccentricities is the one that gives the book its title, for he professes, with demonstrable falseness, to be fully 100 years old, a claim that allows him to enlarge upon his own legend by pretending, for instance, to have met Tolstoy.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The only category of clone to enlarge significantly upon ATRA treatment was that originating in the junctional zone.

Cell Stem Cell

They are creating a commercial commons of basic technology that everyone in the industry can build upon to enlarge a business like smartphones.

The New York Times

Click image to enlarge.

The Guardian

Click to enlarge.

The Guardian - Sport

Click here to enlarge.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to enlarge upon" when you want to politely request someone to provide more details or context on a specific point. It's particularly useful in formal settings or when you want to encourage a speaker to elaborate further.

Common error

Avoid using "to enlarge upon" in informal conversations or casual writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "explain more" or "tell me more" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to enlarge upon" functions as an infinitive phrase used to introduce a request for further explanation or elaboration. It is commonly used to encourage someone to provide more details on a particular subject. Ludwig confirms that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to enlarge upon" is a correct and usable infinitive phrase, though relatively rare in occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms it's a good option when you need someone to elaborate more in a formal context. Alternatives include "to elaborate on" or "to expand on". While grammatically sound and accepted, its formal tone may not be suitable for all settings. Use simpler alternatives for informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to elaborate on

This alternative offers a direct synonym focusing on adding detail and clarifying a point.

to expand on

Similar to 'elaborate', this suggests increasing the scope of discussion.

to expound on

This alternative implies a more formal and detailed explanation.

to delve into

Suggests a deeper investigation and explanation of a topic.

to go into detail about

This phrase explicitly states the act of providing specific details.

to clarify further

Focuses on making something clearer through additional explanation.

to provide more context

This alternative emphasizes the addition of background information.

to shed more light on

Implies making something easier to understand through explanation.

to give a fuller account of

This phrase suggests providing a more complete and comprehensive description.

to add more information

A simple way to express the addition of supplementary details.

FAQs

How can I use "to enlarge upon" in a sentence?

You can use "to enlarge upon" to politely request someone to provide more details. For example, "Could you please "to enlarge upon" your proposal so we can understand it better?"

What are some alternatives to "to enlarge upon"?

Alternatives to "to enlarge upon" include "to elaborate on", "to expand on", or "to go into detail", depending on the level of formality desired.

Is "to enlarge upon" formal or informal?

"To enlarge upon" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "explain more" or "tell me more" might be more appropriate.

When is it best to use "to enlarge upon"?

Use "to enlarge upon" in situations where you want to politely request a more detailed explanation, such as in formal discussions, presentations, or written reports.