Cool MateExpand vs Tell me more
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Expand
Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
Tell me more
Top 2,000 (common)
| Expand | Tell me more | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪkˈspænd//🇺🇸 //ɪkˈspænd// | 🇬🇧 //tɛl mi mɔː//🇺🇸 //tɛl mi mɔr// |
| Meaning | to make something bigger or more in amount | Ask for more information. |
| Example | The company plans to expand its operations into new markets. | She mentioned a new project; I want to say, 'tell me more!' |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | expand a business, expand horizons, expand your mind, expand on an idea, expand the service | tell me more about, tell me more information, tell me more details, tell me more stories, tell me more experiences |
| Antonyms | shrink, contract, reduce | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'expand' with 'extend', which refers to prolonging something rather than making it larger., Using 'expand' without an object (e.g., 'expand' instead of 'expand it')., Incorrectly using 'expand' in situations where 'grow' or 'increase' is more appropriate. | Using 'tell me more' in overly formal situations., Not following up with a specific topic after using the phrase., Assuming the listener knows what you mean without clarifying. |
| Usage notes | Use 'expand' for increasing size, numbers, or range. It's appropriate in academic or formal contexts but can also be used informally. Avoid using it in contexts where the meaning is of a steady state rather than change. | Use this phrase when you want additional details about something. It's appropriate in both casual and formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Expand vs Tell me more
What's the difference between Expand and Tell me more?
Expand: to make something bigger or more in amount Tell me more: Ask for more information.
Can you show an example of each?
Expand: The company plans to expand its operations into new markets. Tell me more: She mentioned a new project; I want to say, 'tell me more!'
Can I use Expand and Tell me more interchangeably?
Not always. Expand and Tell me more are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.