Cool MateElaborate vs Tell me all about it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Elaborate
Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective
Tell me all about it
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Elaborate
| Elaborate | Tell me all about it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈlæbərət/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈlæbərət/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //tɛl mi ɔːl əˈbaʊt ɪt//🇺🇸 //tɛl mi ɔl əˈbaʊt ɪt// |
| Meaning | To explain something in detail. | Say everything regarding a topic. |
| Example | elaborate designs | When you return from your trip, just tell me all 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 everything, tell me more, tell all, tell stories, tell me your thoughts |
| 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. | Learners use a formal tone when this phrase is informal., Overuse in formal situations where detailed reporting is needed., Omit the 'tell me' making it sound incomplete. |
| 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. | Use this phrase to ask someone for a detailed description. It's friendly and casual, suitable among friends or in informal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Elaborate vs Tell me all about it
What's the difference between Elaborate and Tell me all about it?
Elaborate: To explain something in detail. Tell me all about it: Say everything regarding a topic.
Which is more formal: Elaborate and Tell me all about it?
Elaborate is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Elaborate: elaborate designs Tell me all about it: When you return from your trip, just tell me all about it!
Can I use Elaborate and Tell me all about it interchangeably?
Not always. Elaborate and Tell me all 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.