went on to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "went on to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone continues to provide further information or clarification after an initial statement. Example: "After the introduction, she went on to explain the main objectives of the project in detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Blanchard went on to explain how these "squads" make feminism seem "very one-dimensional".

Huffington Post

"It's not hoarding food," he went on to explain.

The New York Times

He went on to explain, "We always liked Cokie Roberts.

The New Yorker

He went on to explain what "timely mitigation" meant.

The Guardian - Business

He went on to explain that he was referring to the voice of the "G.P.S. lady".

The New York Times

He went on to explain that a lot of visual information was bad for the patient.

The New York Times - Arts

The mayor went on to explain the concept of a slide rule.

The New York Times

And he went on to explain all the reasons for everything.

The New Yorker

Pegler went on to explain to the audience what, exactly, King Features consisted of.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

She went on to explain the impact of the virus on her own life.

BBC

I then went on to explain that self-love is not self-esteem.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality needed. While generally acceptable, in highly formal writing, you might choose a more sophisticated alternative like "further elucidated".

Common error

Avoid using "went on to explain" repeatedly in a short span. Vary your language by using synonyms like "continued to clarify" or "proceeded to elaborate" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "went on to explain" functions as a verb phrase indicating the continuation of an action – explaining something – after a previous action or statement. It highlights the sequential nature of providing information, where the explanation follows an earlier point. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "went on to explain" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate the continuation of providing details or clarification. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, consider more formal alternatives for academic or scientific writing. To avoid redundancy, vary your language with synonyms like "continued to clarify" or "proceeded to elaborate". Remember that effective communication relies on adapting your language to suit the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provided further clarification

Directly indicates the act of making something easier to understand.

continued to clarify

Emphasizes the act of making something clearer, focusing on the removal of ambiguity.

elaborated in detail

Emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the explanation.

proceeded to elaborate

Highlights the detailed development of a point, suggesting a more extensive explanation.

detailed further

A more concise way of saying that a more thorough explanation was given.

further elucidated

A more formal alternative emphasizing the clarification of a complex topic.

expanded upon

Focuses on adding more information to a previously mentioned topic.

offered additional details

Stresses the provision of supplementary information.

carried on to describe

Focuses on the descriptive aspect of the continuation.

followed by an explanation

Highlights the sequence of events, with the explanation coming after something else.

FAQs

How can I use "went on to explain" in a sentence?

"Went on to explain" is used to indicate that someone continued by providing further details or clarification after an initial statement. For example, "After the announcement, the CEO "went on to explain" the reasons behind the decision".

What are some alternatives to "went on to explain"?

Alternatives include "continued to clarify", "proceeded to elaborate", or "further elucidated". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality desired.

Is "went on to explain" formal or informal?

"Went on to explain" is generally considered neutral in tone. It is suitable for most contexts, but in very formal writing, a more sophisticated alternative might be preferred.

What's the difference between "went on to explain" and "explained"?

"Explained" simply states that an explanation was given. "Went on to explain" suggests a continuation of speech or writing, indicating that further details or clarification were provided after an initial statement. It emphasizes the sequential nature of the explanation.