I can clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

"I can clarify" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to explain something more clearly. For example, you might say: "I'm not sure everyone understands what I'm saying, so I can clarify by providing some examples."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Let me know if I can clarify anything for you.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let me know if I can clarify anything.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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.

The Washington 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

"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

Its patron saint is Saint George and, although I cannot tell you the name of its mosque, I can clarify that the Muslims in Yarun belong to the Shia sect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Even if architecture cannot reform society, it can clarify our vision of the status quo.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, it can clarify what's acceptable behavior to other employees and spur compliance.

Harvard University

I hope you can clarify some things.

Huffington Post

"I'm hoping she can clarify for me how I can reach my goal of being that six-figure social worker or at least say to me, 'You're never going to get that; here's what you can do in the interim,' " said Mr. Bradley, 39, who lives in Franklin, Mass., a Boston suburb.

The New York Times

"Now, Mr. Cruz," I'd say, my tone completely measured, totally mild, "as we consider your efforts to take on a larger and larger role in determining our nation's policies, both foreign and domestic, I'm hoping you can clarify one or two matters that are still a cause for some concern.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I can clarify" when you genuinely intend to provide a clearer or more detailed explanation. Avoid using it as a filler phrase without adding substance.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple sentences in a discussion with "I can clarify". This can sound repetitive and insincere. Instead, vary your language and ensure each clarification adds meaningful information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I can clarify" functions as an offer of assistance, indicating the speaker's willingness and ability to provide a clearer or more detailed explanation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the speaker aims to resolve potential confusion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I can clarify" serves as a straightforward and polite way to offer further explanation. As determined by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse sources such as academia and news media make it a reliable choice for effective communication. While the phrase is quite versatile, remember to avoid overuse and ensure that each clarification truly adds value to the discussion. Alternatives such as "let me elaborate" or "I can provide more details" can provide variety while expressing the same intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Let me elaborate

More direct offering of additional information.

Allow me to explain further

More formal and polite way to offer further explanation.

I'd be happy to elaborate

Expresses willingness to provide more details.

I can provide more details

Focuses on supplying additional information.

I am able to clarify

Slightly more formal variation using "able".

Would you like me to elaborate?

Asks for permission to provide further explanation.

Can I shed more light on that?

Uses a metaphor to offer clarification.

Perhaps I can offer some clarification

More hesitant and polite offer of clarification.

I'm happy to explain

Emphasizes willingness to clarify.

I can offer a different perspective

Suggests providing an alternative viewpoint to clarify understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "I can clarify" to offer a more detailed explanation, for example, "I can clarify the process if you have any questions." It's typically used when you sense there may be confusion or a need for more information.

What's the difference between "I can clarify" and "let me elaborate"?

"I can clarify" is a general offer to make something clearer. "Let me elaborate" suggests you're going to provide additional details or expand on a previous point. The subtle difference lies in the level of detail you intend to provide.

When is it appropriate to say "I can clarify"?

It's appropriate to say "I can clarify" when you believe you can offer insight or information that will resolve confusion or answer a question more thoroughly. It's useful in discussions, presentations, and written communication where clarity is important.

What are some alternatives to saying "I can clarify"?

Alternatives include "I'd be happy to elaborate", "I can provide more details", or "allow me to explain further", depending on the specific context and your desired level of formality.