Provide clarification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Provide clarification" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to explain or make something clearer. Example: "If there are any uncertainties regarding the project, please provide clarification so we can proceed effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, the joint statement on Tuesday did little to provide clarification.

The New York Times

"The agencies have had increasingly blurred lines of jurisdiction in terms of which will review a merger," Mr. Rill said, "and this would provide clarification to the process.

The New York Times

(If any such people feel this characterization is unfair, I urge them to take to the op-ed pages and provide clarification).

The New York Times

Before Mr. Gambira was released on Friday, the State Department called on the government "to provide clarification on the purpose of his detention".

The New York Times

The German foreign minister, Guido Westerwelle, said, "I appeal to the Chinese government to urgently provide clarification, and I expect Ai Weiwei to be released immediately".

The New York Times

"Further to being sacked as manager of Blackpool this week, I feel it is necessary to release a formal statement to provide clarification on certain key matters," said Ince, who lasted less than a year at the helm.

The Guardian - Sport

Stan Shamu of IG predicts this guidance might be modified: There is a possibility we see the Fed provide clarification that the 6.5% unemployment threshold for putting up rates is conditional on inflation trending to 2%.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Monserrate, whose district includes the site for the new Mets stadium, has asked that the Internal Revenue Service provide clarification on the tax implications of the stadium financing and ensure that it complies with federal laws.

The New York Times

But James Plastiras, a spokesman for the division in Albany, said that while the court ruling had spurred it to define the term, state officials still felt obligated to provide clarification for both tenants and owners.

The New York Times

I know there has been discussion about using the term within the newspaper, and would like to know if someone is available to provide clarification about this particular incident for my piece.

The New York Times

But in a letter to the court on Wednesday that the Justice Department said would "provide clarification" on the issue, the department said "members of the prosecution team have of course been 'privy' " to information about the captured terrorists and have provided information that may have been used in their interrogations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting clarification, be specific about the area that needs further explanation to ensure the response is targeted and effective.

Common error

Don't simply ask someone to "provide clarification" without specifying what exactly needs to be clarified. This can lead to unfocused and unhelpful responses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Provide clarification" functions as a request or instruction, typically used to ask someone to make something clearer or more understandable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Provide clarification" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves the purpose of requesting further explanation or detail to ensure clarity and shared understanding. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings, reflecting its versatility and widespread acceptance. When using this phrase, it is important to be specific about the area that requires clarification to ensure an effective and targeted response. Alternatives include "offer an explanation", "give more details", and "shed some light".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Offer an explanation

This alternative uses "offer" instead of "provide" and "explanation" instead of "clarification", but the core meaning remains the same.

Clarify the situation

This alternative focuses on making a particular situation clearer and more understandable.

Give more details

This phrase uses more general terms, focusing on the act of providing additional information.

Explain in detail

This alternative emphasizes a thorough explanation.

Provide more precision

This phrase emphasizes making something more accurate and exact.

Shed some light

This is a more idiomatic way of asking for clarification, using a metaphor to convey the idea of making something clearer.

Give a clearer picture

This uses a visual metaphor to suggest making something easier to understand.

Elucidate the matter

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of making something clear and understandable.

Offer further insight

This emphasizes providing a deeper understanding.

Expand on that

This is a more direct and informal way of asking for more information.

FAQs

How can I use "Provide clarification" in a sentence?

You can use "Provide clarification" when you need someone to explain something more clearly. For example, "Could you "provide clarification" on the new policy?"

What can I say instead of "Provide clarification"?

Alternatives to "Provide clarification" include "offer an explanation", "give more details", or "shed some light" depending on the context.

Is it better to ask for "clarification" or an "explanation"?

Both "clarification" and "explanation" are suitable, but "clarification" is often used when something is already partially understood but needs to be made clearer, whereas "explanation" is used when a more thorough description is required.

When should I use "Provide clarification" in formal writing?

Use "Provide clarification" in formal writing when you need someone to elaborate on a specific point. It is a direct and professional way to request more information.