“In More Detail” – Complete Usage Guide (With Examples)

“In more detail” is a connecting phrase we can use when discussing matters with people. It’s very formal, and it’s likely you’ll hear it in business contexts. This article will explore what it means and how you can use it correctly.

What Does “In More Detail” Mean?

“In more detail” means running through the smaller parts of a discussion or problem. You might need to go into “detail” about things that require further explanation, as your original explanation might not have been clear enough. It’s a good way to get all the facts.

in more detail

For example, let’s assume that you’ve come up with a great new idea at your company. You’ve found a way to improve workflow without spending any extra money, and you’ve piqued your boss’s interest.

They might want to discuss the matter further with you, and they might say something like this:

  • I’m interested in discussing your idea in more detail.

The phrase works by showing that they understand the main idea behind what you’re working with. However, they would like “more detail” to understand the finer things, which usually cover the operational side and how possible it is to put the idea forward.

What Does It Mean To “Explain In More Detail”?

“In more detail” is rarely used on its own. A verb typically comes before it, like “explain,” and we can use it in different ways based on the verb choice.

“Explain in more detail” means someone wants to learn more about something from you. They might have a good understanding of the basics, but your explanation could provide them with the specifics they’re looking for.

Specifics are useful in a business context. The more specific you can be about a plan or idea, the easier it’ll be to get other people on board. The more people you have on board, the easier it’ll be to get your plan in motion.

Examples Of How To Use “In More Detail” In A Sentence

Perhaps you’d like to check out some examples to see how “in more detail” can work.

  1. I’d like to discuss in more detail this idea. I think it’s going to be worth our time if you can convince me why it’s better this way.
  2. I’ll have to explain it in more detail. It’s not something that’s easy to pick up, and I don’t want to confuse you too much.
  3. We’re going to have to discuss this in more detail. I’m very disappointed by your conduct, young man.
  4. What can you tell me about this in more detail? I want to make sure I know all the ins and outs of what’s going on.
  5. Explain your proposal in more detail. Leave no stone unturned because I want to know absolutely everything about it.
  6. In more detail, can you find a way to explain why you chose to do the things you did? I don’t agree with your actions at all.
  7. Let’s discuss it in more detail. We need to make sure we’re on the same page before taking this higher up the ladder.

“In more detail” looks for specific explanations or details in a matter. It’s a great way to get the full picture of something, and we can use it when we don’t quite understand the whole idea but we know we’re close to doing so.

What Is The Difference Between “In More Detail” Or “In Detail”?

There is a very subtle difference between “in more detail” and “in detail.” Removing “more” is actually quite effective in some cases.

“In more detail” looks at finding out about specifics for a topic. Generally, someone already has a good understanding of the basics. “In detail” looks for a full and comprehensive explanation of something. Often, they will not already have any understanding of what’s going on.

You might hear “in more detail” when someone is learning about the bigger picture:

  • Can you discuss this project with me in more detail?

However, “in detail” works better when someone doesn’t know what’s going on. They might want to learn about something “in detail” before passing their judgment about the situation:

  • I need you to explain, in detail, why you did those things.

“In detail” tends to work best when you are disappointed with someone’s actions. You might want to learn why they did them “in detail” to understand what drove them to do it.

Can You Start A Sentence With “In More Detail”?

“In more detail” is a subordinate clause, and we can start a sentence with it. It’s very uncommon to use it in this way, but that doesn’t mean it’s incorrect.

We can start a sentence with “in more detail” as long as a comma immediately follows it. This comma is used to separate it from the independent clause that comes after it.

You might see it work like so:

  • In more detail, I think we should discuss this matter.

It’s not very common to place “in more detail” at the start of a sentence, but it can work. Most people prefer to put it after the verb choice:

  • I think we should discuss this matter in more detail.

Also, since “in more detail” is a subordinate clause, it isn’t required in the sentence. You could simply remove it and still convey the same meaning (without much emphasis).

  • I think we should discuss this matter.

Is It “In More Detail” Or “For More Detail”?

“In more detail” is correct. We use “in” as the preposition when we’re looking for an explanation to be “inserted” into something we already know about. “For more detail” would only work if we’re deliberately searching “for” details” from a specific source.

  • Correct: I’m going to need you to explain this in more detail.
  • Incorrect: I think we should discuss this for more detail.

“In More Detail” – Synonyms

Finally, let’s go over some synonyms to see how you might be able to replace “in more detail:”

  • Thoroughly
  • In depth
  • From top to bottom
  • Blow by blow
  • Point by point
  • Leave no stone unturned
  • To the fullest extent

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