Spell out means to say the letters of a word: could you spell out your surname? It also means to explain something so clearly that nothing is left to guess: the email spells out what to bring. And Do I have to spell it out for you? shows clear irritation: why don't you get it?
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spell out the details; spell something out for someone; spell it out
- The email spells out exactly what each volunteer needs to bring.
- Please spell the address out so I can write it correctly.
- The agreement spells out the responsibilities of both parties.
What changed
First versionThe instructions spell out it clearly.
RevisionThe instructions spell it out clearly.
We say explain it, with the pronoun at the end, so spell out it seems natural. But a short pronoun goes inside: spell it out. The person who needs the explanation comes with for: spell it out for the team.
Explain is neutral. Spell out means explain so that nothing is left unclear, sometimes in deliberate detail. Hint is the exact opposite: suggest something without saying it.
Your turn
Choose the correct pronoun position: If the requirement is unclear, please ___.
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spell it out — In spell out, the pronoun it goes between the two parts: spell it out.
Describe an email, contract or set of instructions that made it clear what you had to do.
The welcome email spells out where to meet and what equipment to bring.
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