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CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
To clarify
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Alternative expressions(20)
is equivalent to
in the wishes of
rapidly thereafter
for the immediate future
Very soon
somewhere later
one week before
at the early time
in the next weeks
it is important to remember
during the previous years
to avoid disruption
not yet completed
in accordance with direction from
a couple of books before
if not soon
as excellent as
in a flash
as instructed by the directive
as tall as
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
"To clarify, Pfc.
News & Media
To clarify, spices turned men on.
News & Media
To clarify, you're predicting your immortality.
News & Media
"To clarify I am retiring!
News & Media
To clarify, we have omitted all integrals.
Science
To clarify, this calculates minimum bounty price.
Wiki
But what's to clarify?
News & Media
I want to clarify —.
News & Media
I want to clarify everything.
News & Media
Let me try to clarify.
News & Media
G tried to clarify himself.
News & Media
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.
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.
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(6)
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.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested