elaborate
To explain something in more detail.
ExampleThe student elaborates on the lecture point with a short example.
ExampleThe professor asks the student to elaborate on her answer.
Usage Scenarios
Speaking response development
Use elaborate when you move from a basic answer to a fuller explanation.
ExampleThe student elaborates on the point by describing a campus example.
Explaining lecture support
Use it when a detail expands the professor's main idea rather than starts a new topic.
ExampleThe professor elaborates on the theory with evidence from animal behavior.
Usage Guide
Use elaborate when a TOEFL speaking or writing response needs more detail after the main point. It is useful for explaining a lecture point, adding an example, or developing a reason.
The main pattern is elaborate on + idea. You can also elaborate further, elaborate with an example, or elaborate by explaining the reason.
Do not use elaborate when the task asks for a brief summary. Elaborating adds detail, while summarizing removes detail.
Word Forms & Word Building
Elaborate uses the verb ending -ate, common in formal verbs that name an action or process.
Elaboration is formed with the noun suffix -ion and means added explanation or detail.
Elaborate on is the key phrase-building pattern; the preposition on carries the idea being expanded.
Meaning Boundaries
Elaborate vs summarize
Summarize shortens to main points. Elaborate expands a point with more detail.
Elaborate vs explain
Explain is broad. Elaborate means explain further after an idea has already been introduced.
Register
Elaborate is formal but natural in TOEFL speaking feedback, academic discussion, and writing development.
Memory Tricks
Think add detail. A strong TOEFL response states a point, then elaborates with support.
Memorize elaborate on because the preposition makes the verb natural.
Use elaborate after a short claim when the listener needs a reason, example, or explanation.
Common Traps
Do not say elaborate about in standard academic English; use elaborate on.
Do not elaborate with unrelated details; the added information should develop the same point.
Do not over-elaborate in short speaking tasks; add enough support, then stop.