Grammar fix
elaborate on
explain formally
To explain an idea or point in greater detail, especially in a formal situation.
phrasal verb
How oftenCommon
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The report elaborates on the risks of delaying the project.
In meetings my manager often asks me to elaborate on my ideas, which used to make me nervous, so now I always prepare a couple of examples.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Could you elaborate more about that?
Say: Could you elaborate on that?
Use 'on', and 'more' is not needed; 'elaborate' already means give more detail.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Give more detail about an idea
How formalConversationalMore formal
flesh outAdding substance and detail to an incomplete idea or proposal.expand onAdding more detail to an idea or point already introduced.
elaborate onYou're here · More formal: asking for or giving more detail in meetings, interviews and Q&As ('Could you elaborate on that?').