Cool MateElaborate vs Tell me about it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Elaborate
Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective
Tell me about it
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Elaborate
| Elaborate | Tell me about it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈlæbərət/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈlæbərət/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //tɛl mi əˈbaʊt ɪt//🇺🇸 //tɛl mi əˈbaʊt ɪt// |
| Meaning | To explain something in detail. | Say more about something. |
| Example | elaborate designs | I heard you went on a trip! Tell me about it! |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, look, seem, extremely, fairly, very | tell me more, tell me everything, tell me their story |
| Antonyms | simplify, condense, abridge | - |
| Common mistakes | 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. | Using it in formal situations where a more serious response is needed., Confusing it with 'tell me about that,' which is more specific., Omitting context, making the phrase confusing without prior information. |
| Usage notes | 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. | Used in casual conversations to invite someone to elaborate. Not suitable for formal contexts like business meetings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Elaborate vs Tell me about it
What's the difference between Elaborate and Tell me about it?
Elaborate: To explain something in detail. Tell me about it: Say more about something.
Which is more formal: Elaborate and Tell me about it?
Elaborate is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Elaborate: elaborate designs Tell me about it: I heard you went on a trip! Tell me about it!
Can I use Elaborate and Tell me about it interchangeably?
Not always. Elaborate and Tell me about it 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.