able to clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to clarify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating someone's capacity or capability to provide clarification on a topic or issue. Example: "The expert was able to clarify the complex concepts during the presentation, making it easier for everyone to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In this study, we were able to clarify the relationship between BCR-ABL signaling and STAT3 activation.

BMC Cancer

Then he turns to me in the hope that I may be able to clarify things.

The Guardian - Travel

The DfE was not immediately able to clarify how many individuals were identified in each record.

The Guardian

We hope Mr Emmerson will be able to clarify these matters when he appears before us".

The Guardian

It is possible that they have a record of your conversation, and will be able to clarify what took place.

The Guardian - Money

He "is able to clarify, perhaps better than any biographer who preceded him, what made Hitler's dictatorial power possible".

The New York Times - Books

"He chimed in on some questions where he was able to clarify some dates and facts," Mr. Lehman said.

The New York Times

However the UK Government has not been able to clarify if the export licence criteria are being met.

Independent

"I hoped you might be able to clarify whether, if Sir Alan takes the Labour whip in the House of Lords, these regulations will apply?

The Guardian

But before he was able to clarify, the secretary of state flared: "Wait, you want me to tell you what my husband thinks?

The New York Times

This is hotly debated, with much conflicting data flying around—just the sort of lies and damned lies that a skilful economic researcher should be able to clarify.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to clarify" when you want to express the capacity or possibility of making something clearer or more understandable. Consider the context and choose synonyms for variety and precision.

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple instances of "able to clarify" in a single sentence. This can make your writing sound repetitive and convoluted. Instead, break down the complex ideas into smaller, more manageable parts and use alternative phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to clarify" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, indicating the capacity or capability of someone or something to make something clearer or more understandable. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread and grammatically sound usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to clarify" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression that denotes the capacity or capability to make something clearer. Ludwig AI confirms that it is frequently used across various domains, including science, news, and formal business contexts. While "able to clarify" is considered correct and usable in written English, writers are advised to use it judiciously and consider alternative phrasing to enhance sentence structure and avoid repetition. Related phrases such as "capable of clarifying" and "in a position to clarify" offer similar meanings with subtle nuances. It’s important to consider these nuances to express your intended message as precisely as possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of clarifying

Replaces "able" with "capable", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.

in a position to clarify

Emphasizes the state or condition that allows clarification.

qualified to clarify

Highlights the expertise or competence needed for clarification.

in a capacity to clarify

Similar to "in a position to", but focuses on the role or function.

has the ability to clarify

Replaces the adjective "able" with the noun "ability".

in a state to clarify

Focuses on the condition allowing for clarification.

equipped to clarify

Implies having the necessary tools or resources for clarification.

authorized to clarify

Suggests official permission or endorsement to provide clarification.

empowered to clarify

Indicates being given the authority or power to clarify.

prepared to clarify

Implies readiness and willingness to offer clarification.

FAQs

How can I use "able to clarify" in a sentence?

You can use "able to clarify" to describe someone's capacity to make something clear. For example, "The expert was "able to clarify" the complex concepts". Other alternatives include "capable of clarifying" or "in a position to clarify".

What are some alternatives to "able to clarify"?

Some alternatives include "capable of clarifying", "qualified to clarify", or "in a position to clarify". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "able to clarify" or "can clarify"?

"Able to clarify" and "can clarify" are often interchangeable. However, "able to clarify" may emphasize the capacity or capability, while "can clarify" simply states the possibility. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "able to clarify" or "able to be clarified"?

"Able to clarify" means someone or something has the capacity to clarify something else. "Able to be clarified" suggests that something can be made clearer, usually by someone or something else. For example, "The issue is "able to be clarified" with further research".