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 12Giving 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.
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.
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!
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
12Our 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
✗ 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.
✗ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We always use 'on' with 'expanding' when referring to a topic or point.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose the best option:
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%.'
'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 exercisesExpanding ____ this point, we can see that the market is ready for a new product.
We always use 'on' with 'expanding' when referring to a topic or point.
Choose the best option:
The phrase must link a previous idea to new, relevant evidence.
Speaker A: 'The new software is much faster.' Speaker B: '________, it reduces processing time by 40%.'
'Expanding on this point' is the only option that logically connects the 'faster' claim to the '40%' evidence.
🎉 Score: /3
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsIt 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
synonymTo add more detail to something.
Building on this
builds onUsing a previous idea as a foundation for a new one.
In other words
similarTo say the same thing in a simpler way.
To be more specific
specialized formMoving from a general category to a specific example.