Can you clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Can you clarify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need someone to explain or provide more details about something that is unclear. Example: "I didn't quite understand your last point. Can you clarify what you meant?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Can you clarify this?

The New York Times

Can you clarify this point for me?

University of California, Berkeley

Can you clarify what "backport it" means?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Can you clarify: are we taxed on our health insurance?

Cornell University

Can you clarify that: You accept that climate change is caused by human activity?

The Guardian

Can you clarify what is happening going forward over the next three years?

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Explaining things to someone else can help you clarify how you feel, and they can give you good advice.

WikiHow

During the presentation, Peter Weill demonstrated how exploring six key questions can help you clarify where you are today, and what's needed to move toward a higher-value digital business model.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Well, the irony is that such pre-formulation can help you clarify things.

Huffington Post

These guidelines from Fit Bottomed Girls can help you clarify your intentions, resulting in meaningful change.

Huffington Post

Whether you're planning your own wedding or enlisting the services of a wedding planner, a few simple steps can help you clarify a vision that's in line with your own unique personality, and make it a reality.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Can you clarify", be specific about what you need clarification on. This helps the speaker focus their explanation and provides a clearer response.

Common error

Avoid asking "Can you clarify" without specifying what part is unclear. A vague request can lead to unfocused or unhelpful responses. Instead, say, "Can you clarify the specific steps involved in the process?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Can you clarify" functions as an interrogative request. It directly asks the listener or reader to provide a clearer or more detailed explanation of something that is not fully understood. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

28%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Can you clarify" is a very common and grammatically correct interrogative phrase used to request further explanation or details. Ludwig AI indicates that it's suitable for various contexts, from news and academic settings to more informal conversations. While versatile, it's best practice to specify what you need clarification on for a more focused response. The examples in Ludwig highlight its widespread use, reinforcing its acceptability and effectiveness in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Could you elaborate

More formal and polite way of asking for more details.

Could you explain further

Asks for additional explanation, focusing on expanding the current understanding.

Can you explain

A more direct and general way to ask for an explanation.

What do you mean by that

Focuses on understanding the meaning behind a specific statement.

Are you able to provide more detail

A more formal way to request additional details or information.

Can you be more specific

Asks for more precise information, targeting vagueness.

What are you trying to say

Focuses on grasping the underlying message or intention.

Can you give more context

Requests background information to better understand the situation.

What's your understanding of

Inquires about someone's interpretation or perspective on a topic.

Could you run that by me again

An informal way to ask someone to repeat something, often due to confusion.

FAQs

How do you use "Can you clarify" in a sentence?

The phrase "Can you clarify" is typically used as a question to request further explanation or details about a statement or situation. For example, "I'm not sure I understand the new policy. "Can you clarify" the section on remote work?"

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

You can use alternatives like "Could you elaborate", "Can you explain", or "What do you mean by that" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "Can you clarify" in formal communication?

Yes, "Can you clarify" is generally appropriate in both formal and informal settings. However, in very formal contexts, you might prefer a slightly more polite phrasing like "Could you please clarify" or "Could you elaborate"?

What's the difference between "Can you clarify" and "Can you explain"?

"Can you clarify" is generally used when you need a specific point or detail to be made clearer, whereas "Can you explain" is broader and can refer to providing a comprehensive understanding of a topic.