a little clarification

USAGE SUMMARY

"a little clarification" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to explain something further or offer more information on a subject. For example, "I'm not sure what the project requirements are. Could you provide me with a little clarification?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Yet his words begged a little clarification.

The New York Times - Style

But I'd like to take exception to one comment, and to provide a little clarification on another point.

Princeton University

Another point the Politico piece makes, that President Obama has rejected this option, though basically true, needs a little clarification.

The New Yorker

But the term "milk punch" requires a little clarification; in fact, clarification is the difference between Brennan's frothy milk variety and the other style.

The Washington Post

"A little clarification: We're not them," it says, adding, "The spring rally is on!" Thus emerges another showdown between a Southern city and a prurient tradition.

The New York Times

UPDATE April 2 , 2012 2 30 p.m. My article has generated some consternation in the comments section over the issue of the biology of race, so let me offer a little clarification.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

With little clarification but a heavy dose of innuendo, the answer goes in part: "Please be careful.

The New York Times - Magazine

Q: A little more clarification to improvement in margins.

TechCrunch

We've reached out to Google to get a little more clarification as to why DeLoura left so quickly and to see if anyone will be replacing him.

TechCrunch

The Foot Dude I mentioned before happened to be on G-chat, so I asked him for a little more clarification. .

Vice

One of the negative aspects mentioned above needs a little further clarification: the definition of the empirical tolerance intervals, which are used to calculate the empirical p-values.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting "a little clarification", be specific about the area you need help with. This makes it easier for the other person to provide the right information.

Common error

While "a little clarification" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing seem less confident. Consider stronger alternatives like "detailed explanation" or "thorough analysis" in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little clarification" functions as a request or offer for further explanation or detail. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts to seek or provide additional understanding. It serves to refine or expand upon existing information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little clarification" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for requesting or offering additional details to improve understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from more precise language. While common in news and media, academia, and science, it is less frequent in business or encyclopedic contexts. To enhance clarity, specify the area needing clarification. Remember that overuse, while acceptable, can dilute the impact of your writing; instead, opt for synonyms like "further explanation" or "additional details" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight explanation

Substitutes "clarification" with "explanation" and "little" with "slight", implying a minor adjustment to understanding.

a brief explanation

Replaces "little" with "brief", suggesting a short and concise account.

a quick explanation

Uses "quick" instead of "little", indicating a fast and simple explanation.

a small explanation

Replaces "clarification" with "explanation" and "little" with "small", denoting a minimal addition to understanding.

a touch of detail

Replaces "clarification" with "detail", and "little" with "touch of", indicating a small amount of additional information.

further explanation

Omits "a little" to directly request more elaboration.

some elaboration

Indicates a need for more detailed information.

more detail

A direct request for additional specifics.

additional details

Requests more specifics or information.

some additional information

A broader request for more information.

FAQs

How can I ask for "a little clarification" in a formal email?

In formal contexts, you might consider phrasing your request as "Could you please elaborate further?" or "I would appreciate additional details regarding..." instead of using "a little clarification".

What's a more direct way to ask for "a little clarification"?

Alternatives like "Could you explain that further?" or "Can you provide more details?" offer a more direct approach to requesting further information.

What are some synonyms for "a little clarification"?

Synonyms include phrases like "a slight explanation", "further explanation", or "more detail", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a little clarification" in academic writing?

While acceptable, academic writing often benefits from more precise language. Consider specifying exactly what needs clarification for greater clarity and impact. For instance, instead of asking for "a little clarification", try specifying "Could you clarify the methodology used in the study?"