Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

To clarify

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

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.

News & Media

The New York Times

To clarify, spices turned men on.

News & Media

The New Yorker

To clarify, you're predicting your immortality.

"To clarify I am retiring!

News & Media

The Guardian

To clarify, we have omitted all integrals.

Science

Plosone

To clarify, this calculates minimum bounty price.

But what's to clarify?

News & Media

The Guardian

I want to clarify —.

News & Media

Independent

I want to clarify everything.

News & Media

Independent

Let me try to clarify.

News & Media

The New York Times

G tried to clarify himself.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

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.

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.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: