Cool MateElaborate vs Tell me more
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Elaborate
Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective
Tell me more
Top 2,000 (common)
| Elaborate | Tell me more | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈlæbərət/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈlæbərət/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //tɛl mi mɔː//🇺🇸 //tɛl mi mɔr// |
| Meaning | To explain something in detail. | Ask for more information. |
| Example | elaborate designs | 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 | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, look, seem, extremely, fairly, very | tell me more about, tell me more information, tell me more details, tell me more stories, tell me more experiences |
| 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 '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 '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 when you want additional details about something. It's appropriate in both casual and formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Elaborate vs Tell me more
What's the difference between Elaborate and Tell me more?
Elaborate: To explain something in detail. Tell me more: Ask for more information.
Can you show an example of each?
Elaborate: elaborate designs Tell me more: She mentioned a new project; I want to say, 'tell me more!'
Can I use Elaborate and Tell me more interchangeably?
Not always. Elaborate 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.