The dictionary does not list "in elaboration of," but I'd like to know whether it is natural in the following:
Peter delivered a series of lectures in elaboration of the theory.
I'd appreciate your help.
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1What exactly do you want to know? Whether "elaboration of" is idiomatic, or whether there is a better way to say this?– AndrewCommented Nov 28, 2018 at 14:13
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Is it natural, i.e. idiomatic?– ApollyonCommented Nov 28, 2018 at 14:25
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I would prefer "Peter delivered a series of lectures to elaborate on the theory." Presuming that the purpose of the lectures was to detail the theory, anyway. Your example isn't clear as to the relationship between the lectures and the theory.– user3169Commented Nov 29, 2018 at 2:28
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1 Answer
elaborating is encountered far more often than in elaboration of but the latter collocation is grammatical.
The participle is a viable alternative to the prepositional phrase. For example:
defying ... in defiance of
emulating ... in emulation of
honoring ... in honor of
pursuing ... in pursuit of
The prepositional phrase is in a more formal register. Some might consider it a bit ponderous, others as imparting a certain gravitas. A stylistic call. You'd have to consider the ambient tone.
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@user3169: Not sure why you question that phrase. Care to elaborate?– TimRCommented Nov 29, 2018 at 9:38
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When I put it into the example, I get "Peter delivered a series of lectures elaborating the theory." if that is what you meant. To me it seems like the "on" needs to be in there.– user3169Commented Nov 29, 2018 at 17:02
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@user3169. No, it does not need to be elaborating on|upon the theory. The verb to elaborate can be transitive, taking a direct object. google.com/…– TimRCommented Nov 29, 2018 at 17:26