expand ... on

Question

He said that they had worked on the project for 10 years and Tom could expand it on the base of their work.---------------I don't understand  "expand it on the base of their work".

Marius Hancu · Accepted Answer

Where did you get this from?
It isn't clear.
Perhaps
... Tom could expound on (comment on) the base of their work.

Clive · Answer

Hi guys,

He said that they had worked on the project for 10 years and Tom could expand it on the base of their work.

I don't understand "expand it on the base of their work".

A little context would help. However, I see 'expand' here meaning 'enlarge, make bigger'. Tom could make the project bigger, perhaps by hiring more staff, or by making the project plans and scope more ambitious.

I think it should really say on the basis of their work, ie their work is the foundation that permits Tom's expansion.

Best wishes, Clive

Flora Tang · Answer

why is "expand on the base of" wrong?

Marius Hancu · Answer

Flora Tangwhy is "expand on the base of" wrong?

Because if you want to say
to enlarge/make bigger the base of their work
(not sure really what you mean in the original posting)
you'd most probably say:
expand the base of their work
with no on.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

It's just not idiomatic, not natural. You could say 'expand based on their work'.

Best wishes, Clive

expand ... on

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions