When someone requests that you elaborate, it’s usually because they want a clearer explanation of what was said. In many conversations, I’ve found that the person listening often seeks further information to understand fully. Sometimes, we miss that our perspective may not seem obvious to others, and context can change meaning. That’s why adding details, examples, or extra points can help others grasp your ideas better. “Can You Elaborate?” isn’t just a phrase-it’s a gentle invitation to share depth and clarity in connection.
From my experience, when I provide or expand on key information, people respond more positively. They connect deeply with the topic, appreciate the effort, and offer thoughtful feedback. Even in the AI Overview I read once, the idea was simple–communication improves when we slow down, add meaning and structure, and take time to speak thoughtfully. Both sides–speaker and listener–benefit as understanding becomes mutual and complete.
What Does “Can You Elaborate?” Mean?
The phrase “Can you elaborate?” is used when you want someone to expand or add more detail to what they’ve already said. It’s a polite way to ask for clarity, examples, or a deeper understanding of their point. Essentially, it shows interest, respect, and engagement in the conversation.
When to Use “Can You Elaborate?”
You can use “Can you elaborate?” anytime you want someone to provide additional details or make something clearer. It’s especially useful in workplace communication, academic discussions, or thoughtful personal talks.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Can You Elaborate?”
Yes, “Can you elaborate?” is both professional and polite, especially when spoken with a friendly tone. It works well in emails, meetings, and interviews to show that you’re paying attention.
Pros or Cons of Saying “Can You Elaborate?”
Pros:
- Encourages clear communication.
- Shows active engagement and professionalism.
- Builds understanding and trust.
Cons:
- It can sound overly formal or distant in casual contexts.
- May unintentionally make someone feel interrogated if the tone is too sharp.
Could You Explain That a Bit More?
Meaning: A gentle way to ask for a deeper understanding.
Explanation: Softer than “Can you elaborate?”-it suggests genuine curiosity rather than formality.
Example: “I’m not sure I follow. Could you explain that a bit more?”
Best Use: Friendly discussions or mentorship settings.
Worst Use: When you already know the explanation.
Tone: Polite and warm.
Would You Mind Clarifying That?
Meaning: A courteous phrase to ask for clarity.
Explanation: Works great when you want to sound respectful and patient.
Example: “Would you mind clarifying that part for me?”
Best Use: Professional emails or client conversations.
Worst Use: Informal talk-it may sound too formal.
Tone: Respectful and professional.
Can You Walk Me Through That?
Meaning: Asking for a step-by-step explanation.
Explanation: Common in workplaces when someone needs to process details.
Example: “Can you walk me through how this system works?”
Best Use: Technical discussions or learning sessions.
Worst Use: Philosophical or abstract topics.
Tone: Inquisitive and practical.
Could You Give Me More Context?
Meaning: Requesting background details.
Explanation: Ideal when you need to understand the situation better before responding.
Example: “Could you give me more context so I can help effectively?”
Best Use: Team discussions or problem-solving.
Worst Use: When context is already clear.
Tone: Professional and attentive.
Can You Expand on That Idea?
Meaning: Invites more details about a thought.
Explanation: Encourages the speaker to elaborate creatively or intellectually.
Example: “That’s interesting you expand on that idea?”
Best Use: Brainstorming sessions or academic debates.
Worst Use: Casual chit-chat.
Tone: Curious and engaging.
Could You Shed More Light on That?
Meaning: A figurative way to ask for more explanation.
Explanation: Elegant and professional; works beautifully in writing.
Example: “Could you shed more light on your reasoning there?”
Best Use: Reports, discussions, or presentations.
Worst Use: Informal contexts-it can sound poetic.
Tone: Thoughtful and formal.
Can You Clarify What You Mean By That?
Meaning: Asking for a specific explanation.
Explanation: Prevents misunderstandings by seeking precision.
Example: “Can you clarify what you mean by ‘project flexibility’?”
Best Use: During team communication or feedback sessions.
Worst Use: When tone may seem challenging.
Tone: Direct yet polite.
Could You Go Into More Detail?
Meaning: A professional way to ask for elaboration.
Explanation: Common in meetings and discussions for technical clarity.
Example: “Could you go into more detail about that solution?”
Best Use: Business and research contexts.
Worst Use: Informal chats.
Tone: Neutral and formal.
Can You Tell Me More About That?
Meaning: A conversational and friendly way to ask for elaboration.
Explanation: Sounds warm and genuine.
Example: “That sounds fascinating you tell me more about it?”
Best Use: Personal or informal talks.
Worst Use: Highly formal emails.
Tone: Friendly and engaging.
Would You Care to Elaborate?
Meaning: A polished and slightly formal version of the phrase.
Explanation: Adds elegance while keeping curiosity intact.
Example: “That’s intriguing-would you care to elaborate?”
Best Use: Debates, interviews, or presentations.
Worst Use: Everyday conversation-it can sound dated.
Tone: Formal and polite.
Could You Break That Down for Me?
Meaning: Asking for a simpler explanation.
Explanation: Great for complex or technical ideas.
Example: “This seems complicated-could you break it down for me?”
Best Use: Learning or technical situations.
Worst Use: Casual conversations.
Tone: Practical and approachable.
Can You Elaborate Further?
Meaning: A direct yet formal variation.
Explanation: Ideal when you need more data or justification.
Example: “Your point is valid-can you elaborate further on that?”
Best Use: Reports and discussions.
Worst Use: Casual messages.
Tone: Formal and precise.
Can You Give Me an Example?
Meaning: Asking for an illustration to understand better.
Explanation: Encourages practical understanding.
Example: “Can you give me an example of how that works?”
Best Use: Classrooms, workplaces, and coaching.
Worst Use: When examples aren’t needed.
Tone: Supportive and curious.
Could You Expand a Little More?
Meaning: Asking for more explanation politely.
Explanation: Softer tone makes it friendly.
Example: “I like where you’re going-could you expand a little more?”
Best Use: Group discussions.
Worst Use: Formal interviews.
Tone: Polite and warm.
Can You Help Me Understand That Better?
Meaning: Expresses humility and openness.
Explanation: Encourages collaborative learning.
Example: “Can you help me understand that better?”
Best Use: Learning and coaching settings.
Worst Use: Defensive debates.
Tone: Gentle and humble.
Would You Mind Explaining That Further?
Meaning: Polite and professional phrase.
Explanation: Great for maintaining respect and curiosity.
Example: “Would you mind explaining that further?”
Best Use: Formal talks.
Worst Use: Informal chats.
Tone: Polite and formal.
Can You Give Me More Insight Into That?
Meaning: Requesting a deeper perspective.
Explanation: Ideal for analytical or reflective discussions.
Example: “Can you give me more insight into that conclusion?”
Best Use: Research or feedback sessions.
Worst Use: Everyday talk.
Tone: Reflective and professional.
Could You Expand Upon That Point?
Meaning: Formal request for elaboration.
Explanation: Sounds precise and polished.
Example: “Could you expand upon that point for clarity?”
Best Use: Presentations and reports.
Worst Use: Informal conversations.
Tone: Academic and professional.
Would You Explain a Bit More Clearly?
Meaning: Asking for clarity and simplicity.
Explanation: Helps avoid confusion.
Example: “Would you explain that a bit more clearly?”
Best Use: When ideas seem vague.
Worst Use: When the tone could sound impatient.
Tone: Courteous and clear.
Can You Give More Background on That?
Meaning: Request for foundational information.
Explanation: Helps understand origins or reasoning.
Example: “Can you give more background on that statement?”
Best Use: Reports or meetings.
Worst Use: Light conversations.
Tone: Professional and calm.
Could You Outline That for Me?
Meaning: Asking for a structured summary.
Explanation: Best for organized thinkers.
Example: “Could you outline that for me quickly?”
Best Use: Planning sessions.
Worst Use: Emotional discussions.
Tone: Efficient and direct.
Can You Clarify That Statement?
Meaning: Seeking precise meaning.
Explanation: Keeps focus and removes ambiguity.
Example: “Can you clarify that statement for the report?”
Best Use: Corporate or official writing.
Worst Use: Friendly chat.
Tone: Formal and respectful.
Could You Go Over That Again?
Meaning: Asking for repetition for clarity.
Explanation: Useful when something was missed or misunderstood.
Example: “Could you go over that again? I missed part of it.”
Best Use: Meetings or study sessions.
Worst Use: Argumentative settings.
Tone: Humble and calm.
Can You Explain That in Simpler Terms?
Meaning: Request for an easy-to-understand explanation.
Explanation: Encourages clarity without judgment.
Example: “Can you explain that in simpler terms?”
Best Use: Educational and technical talks.
Worst Use: When said sarcastically.
Tone: Gentle and learning-focused.
Would You Elaborate Just a Bit?
Meaning: A Slightly softer version of the main phrase.
Explanation: Maintains politeness with a friendly tone.
Example: “Would you elaborate just a bit on your thoughts?”
Best Use: Conversational discussions.
Worst Use: Highly formal documents.
Tone: Polite and conversational.
Final Thoughts
When we say “Can you elaborate?”, we’re not just asking for more words – we’re inviting connection, clarity, and understanding. The beauty of communication lies in how we express curiosity with warmth. Whether in a professional setting or a heartfelt conversation, using thoughtful alternatives helps you sound more empathetic, patient, and engaged. Each phrase shared in this article can shape the way others perceive your interest and sincerity.
The goal isn’t just to get more information – it’s to build trust, inspire openness, and create conversations that matter. When you choose a gentler tone or a more creative expression, people feel heard and valued. From asking someone to clarify to requesting them to expand on a point, every variation carries emotional intelligence. As communication becomes increasingly digital, these subtle shifts in language make a big difference. So next time, instead of a plain “Can you elaborate?”, try one of these warm, human-centered alternatives to turn your exchange into something memorable, clear, and genuinely meaningful.
FAQs
What does “Can you elaborate?” mean?
It means you’re politely asking someone to give more details or explain something more clearly to help you understand better.
Is “Can you elaborate?” formal or casual?
It’s generally formal but can sound friendly depending on tone and context.
How can I say “Can you elaborate?” professionally?
You can say “Could you explain that further?” or “Would you mind clarifying that point?”
What’s a polite alternative to “Can you elaborate?”
Try saying “Would you mind explaining that a bit more?” to sound polite and respectful.
Is “Can you elaborate?” rude to use?
No, it’s not rude-it shows interest, but tone and context matter.
When should I use “Can you elaborate?”
Use it when you need a clearer explanation during discussions or meetings.
Can I use “Can you elaborate?” in an email?
Yes, especially in professional or academic emails when seeking more details.
What’s a softer version of “Can you elaborate?”
Say “Could you share a bit more about that?” for a friendlier tone.
What’s the difference between “Can you elaborate?” and “Can you clarify?”
“Elaborate” asks for more details; “clarify” asks for more understanding or precision.
Is “Can you elaborate?” common in business English?
Yes, it’s widely used in professional and corporate environments.
How do I make “Can you elaborate?” sound more friendly?
Add warmth: “That’s interesting-can you elaborate a bit more?”
What are synonyms for “Can you elaborate?”
Explain, expand, clarify, illustrate, describe, or give more context are good options.
Why should I use alternatives to “Can you elaborate?”
To make communication sound natural, warm, and less repetitive.
Can I use “Can you elaborate?” in personal talks?
Yes, but choose softer words like “Can you tell me more?” for closeness.
How does “Can you elaborate?” show emotional intelligence?
It shows that you care to understand someone’s perspective deeply, not just superficially.
Muhammad Altaf is an English language specialist and professional content strategist with over 10 years of experience writing and teaching practical English usage, professional communication, and tone awareness. His work focuses on helping readers express ideas clearly, naturally, and confidently in real-world contexts.
