Could you please clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'Could you please clarify' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to kindly ask someone to explain something more clearly. For example: I'm not sure I understand. Could you please clarify what you mean?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Could you please clarify the various formats for digital books?

The Guardian - Tech

Could you please clarify the origin and nature of your allele?

eLife

Could you please clarify how many lines were tested, and what lines were used for the experiments?

eLife

Could you please clarify under which of the Rules of Procedure was the question raised and an on-the-spot vote taken to withdraw an agenda item we were due to debate this afternoon?

EU Parlament

Thanks for the feedback on our ms. Could you please clarify what you mean in point #1, regarding which data you think we should interpret more conservatively?

F1000Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

— Danny Hakim Can you please clarify who has jurisdiction to ultimately allow or ban fracking?

The New York Times

Could you also please clarify if there is a co-IP of PRC2 and SCML2A?

eLife

Could you also please clarify if there is a co-IP of PRC2 and SCML2A? 3) Since SCML2 associates with the PRC1 complex, then the genome-wide distribution of the peaks of both proteins should largely overlap.

eLife

We would appreciate if you could please clarify this point in your article".

Huffington Post

In view of this, could the authors please clarify why they are saying that accounting for bright-dark asymmetry in their model improves things?

eLife

I'm assuming the former, but don't want to make an ass of you and me! (Franklin made that up, but I'm using it everywhere!) Could you please send me a quick note whenever to clarify?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Could you please clarify", be specific about what you need clarified. This helps the other person provide a more focused and helpful response.

Common error

While polite, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your requests for clarification using alternatives such as "Could you elaborate?" or "Can you provide more details?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Could you please clarify" functions as a polite interrogative, used to request further explanation or detail on a particular point. Ludwig AI validates its common usage and correct form, confirming that it's a standard method of seeking information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Could you please clarify" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to politely request additional explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application across diverse contexts such as news, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's crucial to be specific in your request to receive focused and helpful responses. Remember to vary your language to prevent repetitiveness and ensure clear, courteous communication. In simpler terms, it is a reliable way to ask someone to make something clearer, without sounding rude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Could you elaborate further?

More concise, focusing on expanding on previous information.

Can you provide more details?

Focuses on requesting additional information about a specific subject.

Would you mind explaining that in more detail?

A more polite and indirect way of asking for clarification.

Could you be more specific?

Requests a narrower, more precise explanation.

Can you explain that in simpler terms?

Asks for a less technical or complex explanation.

What do you mean by that?

More direct and can sometimes come across as less polite depending on tone.

Could you give us more context?

Focuses on the surrounding information needed for understanding.

Could you rephrase that?

Asks for the same information to be presented in a different way.

Can you walk me through that again?

Asks for a step-by-step explanation.

What is meant by that?

More formal and impersonal, suitable for written communication.

FAQs

How can I use "Could you please clarify" in a sentence?

Use "Could you please clarify" to politely ask someone to provide a clearer explanation or more details about something. For example, "I'm not sure I understand this section; "could you please clarify" the main point?"

What are some alternatives to "Could you please clarify"?

You can use alternatives like "Could you elaborate further?", "Can you provide more details?", or "Would you mind explaining that in more detail?" depending on the context and your desired level of formality.

Is it okay to use "Could you please clarify" in formal writing?

Yes, "Could you please clarify" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. It is a polite and professional way to request clarification. However, ensure your overall tone remains consistent with formal writing conventions.

What's the difference between "Could you please clarify" and "What do you mean?"?

"Could you please clarify" is a polite request for further explanation, whereas "What do you mean?" is more direct and can sometimes be perceived as less polite. Use "Could you please clarify" to maintain a courteous tone, especially in professional or formal settings.