To clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

"to clarify" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain something in greater detail or provide further explanation on a subject. For example, "To clarify, I would like to provide more information on the topic of tax reform."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"To clarify, Pfc.

The New York Times

To clarify, spices turned men on.

The New Yorker

To clarify, you're predicting your immortality.

The New York Times - Magazine

"To clarify I am retiring!

The Guardian

To clarify, we have omitted all integrals.

Plosone

To clarify, this calculates minimum bounty price.

WikiHow

But what's to clarify?

The Guardian

I want to clarify —.

Independent

I want to clarify everything.

Independent

Let me try to clarify.

The New York Times

G tried to clarify himself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "To clarify" with a comma to separate it from the rest of the sentence for improved readability.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "To clarify". Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use other transitional phrases or reword the sentences entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "To clarify" functions as a discourse marker, specifically an adjunct. According to Ludwig AI, it signals the speaker or writer's intention to elaborate on a previous statement, ensuring better understanding. It often introduces a restatement, explanation, or correction, similar to the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

18%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "To clarify" is a versatile phrase used to introduce additional explanation or restate a point for better understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. It functions as a discourse marker, primarily serving to enhance comprehension and prevent misinterpretation. While its register is generally neutral, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to avoid overuse and to consider alternatives for greater variety. Examples on Ludwig showcase its widespread usage across various reputable sources, highlighting its utility in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

For clarification

Emphasizes the act of seeking or providing clarification as a noun phrase.

To be clear

Directly states the intention to ensure clarity, often used before a key point.

By way of explanation

Introduces an explanation, often implying a need for further understanding.

In other words

Indicates a restatement of something in simpler terms.

Let me elaborate

Signals an intention to provide more detailed information.

To put it differently

Suggests a different perspective or phrasing for better comprehension.

Specifically

Introduces a more precise or detailed point.

More precisely

Highlights the need for greater accuracy in the statement.

In simpler terms

Aims to make something easier to understand by using less complex language.

What I mean to say is

Clarifies the speaker's intended meaning, often after a misunderstanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "To clarify" to introduce additional information or restate a point for better understanding. For example, "To clarify, the new policy applies to all employees hired after January 1, 2025."

What are some alternatives to using "To clarify"?

You can use alternatives like "for clarification", "to be clear", or "in other words" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "To clarify" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "To clarify" when you need to provide additional explanation, correct a misunderstanding, or ensure that your audience fully understands a specific point. It is useful in both formal and informal contexts.

What is the difference between "To clarify" and "to explain"?

"To clarify" is used to make something already stated easier to understand, while "to explain" is used to provide a detailed account of something that may not have been previously mentioned. "To clarify" is about making something clearer, while "to explain" is about providing information.