Please clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Please clarify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need someone to provide more information or explanation about a particular point or statement. Example: "I didn't quite understand your last point. Could you please clarify what you meant?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Please clarify the current situation.

The New York Times

Please clarify the fairness of such requirements".

The Guardian

Please clarify.

Huffington Post

Please clarify so I can assist you further.

Vice

Please clarify and comment.

eLife

Please clarify this point.

eLife

Please, clarify the title.

F1000Research

Please clarify the text.

Biology Direct

Please clarify with quantitation.

eLife

Please clarify or delete.

eLife

Please clarify this.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Please clarify" when you need specific points explained further. It's direct and polite.

Common error

In casual conversations, using "Please clarify" repeatedly might sound overly formal or even passive-aggressive. Consider alternatives like "Could you explain?" or "What do you mean?" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Please clarify" functions as an imperative, directly instructing the listener or reader to provide a clearer explanation. This construction combines a polite request ("Please") with a specific action verb (clarify), indicating a need for further understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Please clarify" is a common and grammatically sound way to request further explanation, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently used in scientific and news contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional tone. While direct and polite, consider slightly less formal alternatives like "Could you explain?" in casual settings. Ludwig examples also emphasize its use in professional and academic settings, reinforcing its role as a useful and effective tool for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Clarify the point.

Requests clarification of a particular point.

Could you elaborate?

More polite and less direct.

Can you explain further?

Asks for more explanation in a direct way.

Explain in more detail.

Focuses on a need for greater detail.

Would you mind detailing that?

More formal and courteous.

Please provide more detail.

Direct and formal request.

Expand on that, please.

More conversational and informal.

Can you be more specific?

Asks for more specific information.

Give us more information.

Broader request for information.

Shed some light on this.

Figurative language, asking for understanding.

FAQs

How do I use "Please clarify" in a sentence?

You can use "Please clarify" to politely request someone to provide a clearer explanation. For example, "I don't understand the instructions; please clarify." or "Please clarify your position on this matter".

What is a more formal alternative to "Please clarify"?

A more formal alternative would be "Could you please elaborate?" or "Would you mind clarifying?". These options are suitable for professional settings.

Is "Please clarify" appropriate for informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "Please clarify" can sound overly formal in informal settings. Consider using phrases like "Can you explain?" or "What do you mean?" for a more relaxed tone.

What's the difference between "Please explain" and "Please clarify"?

"Please explain" is a broader request for an explanation of something. "Please clarify" is used when you understand some parts, but need specific points made clearer. For example, "Please explain the concept" versus "Please clarify this point".