- A polite request for more details or clarification about something that was said.
- Used when the listener understands the basic point but needs more information or a deeper explanation.
Explanation
Origin
- Standard polite request structure (Could you...) combined with the verb explain and the adverb further (meaning to a greater extent or depth).
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Break it down for me.
- Unpack that a little.
- Give me the lowdown. / What's the deal with that?
More Direct:
- Explain that. (Can sound demanding)
- I need more detail.
Very Formal:
- Would you be so kind as to elaborate on that point?
- Further clarification on that matter would be appreciated.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in most situations where detailed understanding is required, especially in learning, professional, or technical contexts.
- Very suitable for formal discussions.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Unlikely to be misunderstood.
- Ensure the tone is genuinely inquisitive, not challenging, unless that's the intent.
Examples
- That's an interesting concept. Could you explain that further?
- I understand the first step, but could you explain the second part further?
- You mentioned 'synergy'. Could you explain that further in this context?
Dialogue
Presenter: ...and this leads to increased user engagement through gamification.
Audience Member: Excuse me, could you explain that further? What do you mean by 'gamification' here?
Presenter: Certainly. By gamification, I mean incorporating game-design elements like points, badges, and leaderboards into the app to motivate users.
Audience Member: Okay, thank you. That clarifies it.
Social Media Examples
- (Reply to a complex explanation in a forum): Thanks for the overview! Could you explain that further, especially the part about recursive functions?
- (Comment on a news analysis): Interesting take. Could you explain further why you think policy X will lead to outcome Y?
Response Patterns
- The speaker usually provides more detail, examples, or rephrasing.
- Sure, what I meant was...
- Yes, basically...
- Let me elaborate...
- They might ask a clarifying question back: What part specifically is unclear?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After asking Could you explain that further?:
- The asker listens for the elaboration.
After receiving the explanation:
- The asker might signal understanding (Ah, okay, that makes sense, Thank you, that's clearer now) or ask more specific follow-up questions based on the new information.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- A response seeking deeper understanding within a conversation.
Intonation
- Generally spoken with a polite, inquisitive tone.
- Rising intonation at the end, marking it as a question.
- Stress often falls on explain or further. Could you EXPLAIN that further? or Could you explain that FURTHER?
Generation Differences
- Standard expression used across generations, particularly in educational or professional settings.
Regional Variations
- Widely used in all English-speaking regions.