to spell out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to spell out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when you want to explain something in detail or clarify a point. Example: "Can you please spell out the steps we need to take to complete this project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They did not need to spell out the implications.

The New York Times - Science

For years we had to spell out the name.

The New York Times

Mr Bush has yet to spell out his plans.

The Economist

The message has to spell out the effectiveness".

The New York Times

He declined to spell out what they might be.

The New York Times

Phillips did not need to spell out the obvious.

The Guardian

"I just didn't want to spell out 'miscellaneous'", she said.

The New Yorker

The simple half is to spell out loud and clear America's support for an independent Palestine.

The Economist

Mr. Coggins declined to spell out the legal arguments he made to prosecutors.

The New York Times

The characters tend to spell out their emotions in neat aphorisms, and repeat them as necessary.

The New York Times

He admitted he would come under pressure to spell out some specific cuts in his budget.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to spell out" when you want to ensure the audience fully understands the specifics of a plan, argument, or process.

Common error

Avoid using "to spell out" in casual conversations where a simpler explanation would suffice. Overusing it can make your speech sound overly formal or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to spell out" functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It's used to indicate the action of explaining something in a very clear and detailed manner. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to spell out" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to emphasize the need for detailed and unambiguous explanation, particularly in contexts such as news, science, and formal communication. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where complete clarity is essential to avoid sounding overly formal. Remember that effective communication involves choosing the right level of detail for your audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to explain in detail

Adds emphasis to the thoroughness of the explanation.

to clarify

Focuses on making something easier to understand by removing ambiguity.

to go into detail

Indicates a more thorough and expansive explanation.

to detail

Highlights the act of providing comprehensive information.

to make explicit

Focuses on removing any doubt or implication.

to elucidate

Emphasizes the act of shedding light on a complex topic.

to specify

Stresses the importance of stating something precisely.

to delineate

Implies marking the boundaries or limits of something clearly.

to lay out

Suggests presenting information in an organized manner.

to set forth

Suggests a formal and structured presentation of information.

FAQs

How can I use "to spell out" in a sentence?

You can use "to spell out" when you need to explain something in detail. For example, "The company needs "to spell out its strategy" for the next quarter."

What are some alternatives to "to spell out"?

Some alternatives include "to clarify", "to detail", or "to explain in detail". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "spell out" or "explain" something?

"To spell out" implies a more thorough and detailed explanation than simply "to explain". Use "to spell out" when precision and clarity are paramount.

When is it appropriate to use "to spell out" in writing?

It's appropriate in situations where you need to be very clear and leave no room for misinterpretation. This is common in legal documents, technical manuals, or strategic plans.