Cool MateCould you be slightly more specific vs Elaborate
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Could you be slightly more specific
Top 2,000 (common)
Elaborate
Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective
| Could you be slightly more specific | Elaborate | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kəd juː biː ˈslaɪtli mɔː sɪˈspɛɪfɪk//🇺🇸 //kəd ju bi ˈslaɪtli mɔr spəˈsɪfɪk// | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈlæbərət/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈlæbərət/"]/ |
| Meaning | Can you give a clearer or more detailed answer? | To explain something in detail. |
| Example | Could you be slightly more specific about the project's timeline? | elaborate designs |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be specific about, more specific details, specific instructions, specific examples, specific timeframe | be, look, seem, extremely, fairly, very |
| Antonyms | - | simplify, condense, abridge |
| Common mistakes | Using 'specific' without 'more' can sound abrupt., Adding unnecessary words makes it less direct., Assuming the speaker understands your request without asking first. | Confused with 'elaborate' as a noun instead of a verb., Using it incorrectly by saying 'elaborate on it is' instead of 'elaborate on'., Overusing in informal contexts where simpler language would be better. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase when asking someone to clarify or elaborate. It's polite and suitable for formal and casual contexts. | Use 'elaborate' when asking for more information or details about a topic. It's appropriate for formal discussions but can also be used informally. Avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler words suffice. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Could you be slightly more specific vs Elaborate
What's the difference between Could you be slightly more specific and Elaborate?
Could you be slightly more specific: Can you give a clearer or more detailed answer? Elaborate: To explain something in detail.
Can you show an example of each?
Could you be slightly more specific: Could you be slightly more specific about the project's timeline? Elaborate: elaborate designs
Can I use Could you be slightly more specific and Elaborate interchangeably?
Not always. Could you be slightly more specific and Elaborate 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.