Can I clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Can I clarify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask for permission to explain something further or to make something clearer. Example: "Can I clarify my previous statement to ensure everyone understands my point?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Can I clarify?" Q.

The New York Times

Can I clarify from your response earlier … Did you say that you had communicated that information to the New York Times?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

How can I ensure that I clarify the patient's intended meanings?

BMJ Open

If there are any other points that require more information, I hope reviewers and readers will highlight those sections, so I can clarify them.

F1000Research

"I would like to review the basis for the budget, so that I can clarify for the eyes of Tokyo residents how much they would have to pay," she said in her victory speech.

The Guardian

"It's important that the American people understand what our agenda is, and I think I can help clarify that a bit more," Sessions said Wednesday, reminding people that he is chairman of the House Rules Committee and previously led the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Huffington Post

Asked to comment on reports that Lawson had moved out of the family home, her spokesman said: "I can clarify that she has left the family home with her children".

The Guardian - Arts

Maybe I can clarify with an example.

Vice

"I can clarify that Alex Jones' profile is currently in a 30-day ban," the source said.

Vice

WASSERMAN SCHULTZ: Well, let me just make sure that I can clarify exactly what was available during the primaries in Iowa and in New Hampshire.

Huffington Post

I can clarify this – reviewers are encouraged to name themselves (~40% choose to do so).

F1000Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In situations where ambiguity is likely, proactively offering "Can I clarify" shows attentiveness and commitment to clear communication.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "Can I clarify". Vary your phrasing to maintain a natural and engaging tone, such as using "May I elaborate" or "Let me rephrase that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Can I clarify" functions as an interrogative expression used to seek permission to provide a clearer or more detailed explanation. As evidenced by Ludwig and Ludwig AI, it's a direct way to ensure understanding and avoid potential misunderstandings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Can I clarify" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to seek permission to provide further explanation or detail. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general conversation. To avoid redundancy, consider alternatives like "May I elaborate" or "Could I explain further". This phrase ensures clear communication and understanding in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

May I elaborate

Focuses on expanding on a point rather than just making it clearer.

Could I explain further

More direct request to provide additional details.

Can I provide more detail

Emphasizes adding specific information.

Would you like me to clarify

Puts the onus on the listener to indicate if clarification is needed.

Shall I elucidate

More formal and emphasizes thorough explanation.

Can I offer a clearer explanation

Highlights the intent to provide a more understandable explanation.

Let me rephrase that

Suggests rewording the previous statement for better understanding.

Allow me to expand on that

Focuses on adding more information and depth.

Permit me to clarify

More formal way of asking for permission to clarify.

Do you want me to explain

Directly asks if an explanation is desired.

FAQs

How can I use "Can I clarify" in a sentence?

You can use "Can I clarify" to ask for permission to provide a clearer explanation, such as, "Can I clarify my previous statement to ensure everyone understands?" or "Can I clarify what I meant by that?". It's typically used to avoid misunderstandings.

What can I say instead of "Can I clarify"?

You can use alternatives like "May I elaborate", "Could I explain further", or "Would you like me to clarify" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "Can I clarify"?

It is appropriate to use "Can I clarify" when you sense that your previous statement may not have been fully understood, or when someone asks for more details. It's suitable for both formal and informal settings.

Is "Can I clarify" formal or informal?

"Can I clarify" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, you might prefer alternatives like "Permit me to clarify" or "Shall I elucidate".