C1 Expression Formal 5 min read

Expanding on this point

Academic essay writing expression

In 15 Seconds

  • Signal you'll give more details.
  • Adds depth after a general statement.
  • Good for professional and academic contexts.
  • Use when you need to elaborate further.

Meaning

This phrase is your signal that you're about to dive deeper into a topic. Think of it as saying, 'Hold on, there's more to this story!' It's perfect for when you want to add substance and detail to an idea you've just introduced, making your point more robust and convincing.

Key Examples

3 of 12
1

Giving a presentation at work

Our customer satisfaction scores have improved significantly. Expanding on this point, the recent training program has equipped our staff with better problem-solving skills.

Our customer satisfaction scores have improved significantly. Expanding on this point, the recent training program has equipped our staff with better problem-solving skills.

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2

Writing a blog post

Sustainable fashion is more than just a trend. Expanding on this point, it represents a fundamental shift in consumer values towards ethical production.

Sustainable fashion is more than just a trend. Expanding on this point, it represents a fundamental shift in consumer values towards ethical production.

3

Explaining a concept to a friend

I think we should try that new restaurant downtown. Expanding on this point, I heard their vegan options are amazing, and you know how much you love trying new things!

I think we should try that new restaurant downtown. Expanding on this point, I heard their vegan options are amazing, and you know how much you love trying new things!

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Cultural Background

In US business culture, 'expanding on a point' is often expected immediately after a claim. If you don't provide data right away, you may be seen as 'all talk and no substance.' In British academia, 'expanding upon' (rather than 'on') is still quite common and signals a very high level of education and formality. German speakers often value 'Gründlichkeit' (thoroughness). Using this phrase signals that you are about to be thorough, which is highly respected in professional settings. While Japanese culture is high-context, in modern international business (Global English), Japanese professionals use this phrase to ensure no misunderstandings occur with Western partners.

🎯

The 'Rule of Three'

When you expand on a point, try to provide three pieces of evidence. It makes your expansion feel complete and professional.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use this phrase more than twice in a five-minute talk, you will start to sound like a textbook. Mix it up with 'Furthermore' or 'Specifically'.

In 15 Seconds

  • Signal you'll give more details.
  • Adds depth after a general statement.
  • Good for professional and academic contexts.
  • Use when you need to elaborate further.

What It Means

This phrase is your cue to elaborate. You've just dropped an idea, and now you're going to flesh it out. It's like saying, 'Let's unpack this a bit further.' It signals a transition to more detailed information, adding depth and context to what you've already said. It’s an invitation for your audience to lean in and listen closely because you’re about to reveal the juicy details.

How To Use It

Use Expanding on this point right after you've made a statement or introduced a concept. It acts as a bridge to your explanation. For instance, you might say, 'Our sales figures are up this quarter. Expanding on this point, the new marketing campaign has been incredibly effective.' It’s a smooth way to transition from a summary to a detailed analysis. You can also use it to introduce supporting evidence or examples. It tells people you're not just stating facts; you're backing them up.

Formality & Register

This phrase sits comfortably in the middle – it's not super casual, but it's definitely not stuffy. You can use it in a professional presentation, an academic essay, or even when explaining something complex to a friend. It leans slightly more formal, making it a safe bet for most situations where clarity and detail are key. Think of it as your go-to phrase for sounding knowledgeable without being overly academic. It's like wearing a smart-casual outfit – appropriate for many occasions!

Real-Life Examples

Imagine you're giving a work presentation. You say, 'Our user engagement has increased by 15%.' Then, you pause slightly and continue, 'Expanding on this point, we've seen a significant jump in daily active users, especially on mobile.' Or perhaps you're discussing a movie with a friend: 'The plot twist was totally unexpected. Expanding on this point, it completely recontextualized everything we saw earlier.' See? It works in both contexts.

When To Use It

Use Expanding on this point when you need to provide more information after making a general statement. It’s great for adding evidence, examples, or further clarification. If you want to show you've thought deeply about a topic, this phrase is your ally. It’s also useful when you anticipate your audience might have questions. You're proactively addressing potential queries by offering more detail. Think of it as preemptive explanation, which is always a smart move. It’s like offering a second scoop of ice cream before anyone even asks!

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using Expanding on this point if you're just repeating yourself or adding filler words. It should introduce genuinely new information or a deeper dive. Don't use it if your previous statement was already very detailed. It would sound redundant. Also, steer clear if you're in a super casual chat where brevity is key, like rapid-fire texting about weekend plans. 'Wanna grab pizza?' 'Yeah, expanding on this point, I saw a great new place downtown.' Might be a bit much, right? Save it for when a bit more substance is welcome.

Common Mistakes

The most common mistake is using it when no expansion is needed. This makes you sound like you're rambling. Another error is using it to introduce something completely unrelated – that's just confusing! Learners sometimes try to shorten it awkwardly, like 'Expanding this point,' which sounds unnatural. It’s like trying to unscrew a jar lid by hitting it; it just doesn't work smoothly. Stick to the full phrase for best results.

Expanding this point, the data is clear.

Expanding on this point, the data is clear.

I like the movie. Expanding on this point, the acting was great. (If the acting was already discussed)

I like the movie. The acting was great.

Common Variations

While Expanding on this point is pretty standard, you might hear slight variations. In very formal settings, you could say, 'To elaborate further on this matter...' or 'Allow me to develop this idea...' For a slightly more casual vibe, you might hear 'To build on that...' or 'Going deeper into this...' Sometimes people just say 'And to add to that...' which is less structured but conveys a similar idea. Think of these as different outfits for the same core message.

Real Conversations

Friend 1: 'I think we should invest more in social media ads.'

Friend 2: 'Okay, expanding on this point, have you seen the engagement rates on TikTok lately? They're through the roof!'

Colleague 1: 'The project deadline is tight.'

Colleague 2: 'Yes, expanding on this point, we need to reallocate resources from the marketing team to speed things up.'

Quick FAQ

Q. Is it okay to use this in an email?

A. Absolutely! It’s great for adding detail to your points in professional emails.

Q. Can I use it with friends?

A. Sure, if you're explaining something a bit more complex than usual. It adds a nice touch of thoughtful explanation.

Usage Notes

This phrase is versatile, fitting comfortably in neutral to formal registers. While usable in detailed explanations among friends, avoid it in rapid-fire casual chats where it might sound overly formal. Ensure your elaboration genuinely adds substance; otherwise, it risks sounding like filler.

🎯

The 'Rule of Three'

When you expand on a point, try to provide three pieces of evidence. It makes your expansion feel complete and professional.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use this phrase more than twice in a five-minute talk, you will start to sound like a textbook. Mix it up with 'Furthermore' or 'Specifically'.

Examples

12
#1 Giving a presentation at work
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Our customer satisfaction scores have improved significantly. Expanding on this point, the recent training program has equipped our staff with better problem-solving skills.

Our customer satisfaction scores have improved significantly. Expanding on this point, the recent training program has equipped our staff with better problem-solving skills.

Used to introduce specific evidence (training program) that supports a general claim (improved scores).

#2 Writing a blog post

Sustainable fashion is more than just a trend. Expanding on this point, it represents a fundamental shift in consumer values towards ethical production.

Sustainable fashion is more than just a trend. Expanding on this point, it represents a fundamental shift in consumer values towards ethical production.

Connects a general statement about a trend to a deeper underlying cause.

#3 Explaining a concept to a friend
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I think we should try that new restaurant downtown. Expanding on this point, I heard their vegan options are amazing, and you know how much you love trying new things!

I think we should try that new restaurant downtown. Expanding on this point, I heard their vegan options are amazing, and you know how much you love trying new things!

Adds specific reasons (vegan options) to a suggestion, making it more persuasive.

#4 Instagram caption
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This hike was breathtaking! ⛰️ Expanding on this point, the trail offered incredible views and a real sense of accomplishment by the summit.

This hike was breathtaking! ⛰️ Expanding on this point, the trail offered incredible views and a real sense of accomplishment by the summit.

Adds descriptive details to a general statement about an experience.

#5 Online forum discussion

The new software update has some interesting features. Expanding on this point, the improved user interface makes navigation much smoother.

The new software update has some interesting features. Expanding on this point, the improved user interface makes navigation much smoother.

Provides a specific example of the 'interesting features' mentioned.

#6 Job interview (Zoom call)
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

I believe my skills align well with this role. Expanding on this point, my experience in project management directly relates to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

I believe my skills align well with this role. Expanding on this point, my experience in project management directly relates to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Used to connect a general assertion of suitability to specific relevant experience.

Mistake: Texting a friend Common Mistake
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✗ Hey, wanna watch a movie tonight? Expanding on this point, I was thinking of that new sci-fi film.

Hey, wanna watch a movie tonight? Expanding on this point, I was thinking of that new sci-fi film.

This is too formal and wordy for a casual movie suggestion text. A simple 'I was thinking of that new sci-fi film' would suffice.

Mistake: Academic writing Common Mistake
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✗ The results were significant. Expanding on this point, it was a good outcome.

The results were significant. Expanding on this point, it was a good outcome.

The phrase requires more specific elaboration than just stating 'it was a good outcome'. The expansion needs to add substance.

#9 Humorous anecdote
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My dog ate my homework. Expanding on this point, he seemed to particularly enjoy the chapter on quadratic equations, which, frankly, I didn't.

My dog ate my homework. Expanding on this point, he seemed to particularly enjoy the chapter on quadratic equations, which, frankly, I didn't.

Adds a humorous, specific detail to a classic excuse.

#10 Expressing a personal opinion
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I'm really passionate about environmental conservation. Expanding on this point, I believe individual actions, like reducing plastic use, can collectively make a huge difference.

I'm really passionate about environmental conservation. Expanding on this point, I believe individual actions, like reducing plastic use, can collectively make a huge difference.

Moves from a general statement of passion to a specific belief about how to act on it.

#11 Product review on an app

This coffee maker brews quickly. Expanding on this point, it gets my morning caffeine fix ready in under two minutes.

This coffee maker brews quickly. Expanding on this point, it gets my morning caffeine fix ready in under two minutes.

Provides a concrete time frame to support the claim of quick brewing.

#12 Discussing a news article

The government announced new economic policies. Expanding on this point, these policies aim to stimulate small business growth through tax incentives.

The government announced new economic policies. Expanding on this point, these policies aim to stimulate small business growth through tax incentives.

Clarifies the purpose and mechanism of the announced policies.

Test Yourself

Fill in the missing preposition.

Expanding ____ this point, we can see that the market is ready for a new product.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: on

We always use 'on' with 'expanding' when referring to a topic or point.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?

Choose the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Expanding on this point, the evidence from the study supports our theory.

The phrase must link a previous idea to new, relevant evidence.

Complete the dialogue with the most professional transition.

Speaker A: 'The new software is much faster.' Speaker B: '________, it reduces processing time by 40%.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Expanding on this point

'Expanding on this point' is the only option that logically connects the 'faster' claim to the '40%' evidence.

🎉 Score: /3

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

3 exercises
Fill in the missing preposition. Fill Blank B2

Expanding ____ this point, we can see that the market is ready for a new product.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: on

We always use 'on' with 'expanding' when referring to a topic or point.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly? Choose C1

Choose the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Expanding on this point, the evidence from the study supports our theory.

The phrase must link a previous idea to new, relevant evidence.

Complete the dialogue with the most professional transition. dialogue_completion B2

Speaker A: 'The new software is much faster.' Speaker B: '________, it reduces processing time by 40%.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Expanding on this point

'Expanding on this point' is the only option that logically connects the 'faster' claim to the '40%' evidence.

🎉 Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

3 questions

It depends on your relationship. If you are working on a project together, it's fine. If you are asking them to lunch, it's too formal.

Yes! 'This' and 'That' are both correct. 'This' feels slightly more immediate, while 'That' refers to something said a bit earlier.

They are 95% the same. 'Elaborating' sounds slightly more 'fancy' and technical.

Related Phrases

🔄

Elaborate on

synonym

To add more detail to something.

🔗

Building on this

builds on

Using a previous idea as a foundation for a new one.

🔗

In other words

similar

To say the same thing in a simpler way.

🔗

To be more specific

specialized form

Moving from a general category to a specific example.

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