Clarifying answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Clarifying answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that the response provided is meant to clarify a previous statement or question. Example: "In response to your query about the project timeline, here is a clarifying answer: we expect to complete the first phase by the end of next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Several times during the discussions, explanations were sought to understand symptoms and conditions where prior health care visits had failed to give clarifying answers, and this led to unfounded anxiety.

BMC Women's Health

The interviewer asked further specific questions to clarify answers and focus the subject on the question that was asked.

BMC Health Services Research

Probes were used to clarify answers and obtain detailed information about particular topics raised in a FGD.

Global Health Action

After the experts had filled in the questionnaire individually, a joint meeting was organized to discuss and clarify answers and to reach consensus.

BMC Health Services Research

With regard to sensitive sexual activities, interviewers made an effort to clarify answers (e.g., the number of sexual partners) and only the confirmed number was used in the analysis.

AIDS and Behavior

Unless the immediate area around their house was being discussed it was often difficult to clarify answers about, for example, how they interacted with places within one mile compared to further distances away.

Health and Place

Clarifying the answer to this question would be difficult to prove conclusively without a clinical trial which would obviously be prohibited by ethical issues.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Alex Salmond Photograph: Murdo MacLeod 10.31am BST Ed Miliband has now been clarifying his answer on his grocery spending.

The Guardian

She glances sideways at her teammate, Madison Bozich, before clarifying her answer.

Johns Hopkins University

This study is limited by the methodology of the SAND substudies of the BEACH programme, being constrained by the number of questions that could be asked and by the time that the GP could devote to clarifying the answers within the context of the consultation.

BMJ Open

Occasionally his wife clarified an answer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Clarifying answer" when you need to emphasize that the information provided is meant to remove ambiguity or confusion from a previous question or statement.

Common error

Don't use "Clarifying answer" if you are simply providing new information, rather than specifically addressing and resolving confusion from a previous point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Clarifying answer" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'clarifying' modifies the noun 'answer'. It indicates that the answer's purpose is to provide clarity or resolve ambiguity. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Clarifying answer" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a response that aims to remove ambiguity and enhance understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare, it finds application across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. When considering alternatives, options like "explanatory response" or "illuminating answer" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Explanatory response

Focuses on the explanation aspect rather than just clarification.

Illuminating answer

Highlights how the answer makes something clearer or easier to understand.

Elucidating response

Emphasizes the clarity and understanding provided by the answer.

Answer providing clarity

Rephrases the phrase to emphasize the action of providing clarity.

Detailed explanation

Highlights the detailed aspect of the clarification.

Further explanation

Highlights the element of providing supplementary information.

More precise answer

Highlights that the new answer is more accurate.

Revised answer

Indicates that the previous answer has been modified.

Amended response

Emphasizes that changes have been made to the original answer.

Corrected explanation

Highlights that the previous explanation had errors.

FAQs

How can I use "Clarifying answer" in a sentence?

You might use "Clarifying answer" to introduce additional details or corrections to a previous statement, ensuring better understanding. For example: "In response to your question, here's a clarifying answer regarding the project timeline."

What can I say instead of "Clarifying answer"?

You can use alternatives like "explanatory response", "illuminating answer", or "elucidating response" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Clarifying answer" or "Clarification answer"?

"Clarifying answer" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Clarification answer" is less idiomatic.

When should I use "Clarifying answer" over a simple explanation?

Use "Clarifying answer" when specifically addressing a previous misunderstanding or ambiguity. If you are simply providing new or additional details, a regular explanation might suffice.