Grammar fix
expand on
add more detail
To give more information about an idea or point that has already been mentioned.
phrasal verb
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Could you expand on your reasons for choosing this approach?
My English teacher always told us to expand on our answers, so now I try to add a reason or an example instead of just saying yes or no.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: expand something
Say: expand on something
When you mean 'give more detail', use the preposition 'on': 'expand on your answer'.
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 onYou're here · Adding more detail to an idea or point already introduced.
elaborate onMore formal: asking for or giving more detail in meetings, interviews and Q&As ('Could you elaborate on that?').