allow me to clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'allow me to clarify' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to offer an explanation when the listener has not understood or misunderstood a previous explanation. For example: "I'm not sure what you mean by 'dynamic'. Allow me to clarify - 'dynamic' means constantly changing or developing".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Allow me to clarify.

The Guardian - Opinion

Allow me to clarify that I am not cheap.

The New York Times

Allow me to clarify some of the issues addressed in the article.

The New York Times

So allow me to clarify, since the answers still haven't gotten through, no matter how many times we scientists repeat them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Earlier, Watson vented his spleen over Mensch's appearance on Radio 4's Today, tweeting the programme directly to seek a right of reply: "Good morning @BBCr4today Are you going to allow me to clarify my position?

The Guardian

Allow me to clarify, I love the word Queer.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

COMMENT FROM DALAL ALHAMDAN: if it is about how bad the pictures are,, i mean if they show aggressiveness … media have showed us the worst pictures of all the people died in wars and such,, bin laden's wont be worse PHILIP GOUREVITCH: Thanks for asking this — it allows me to clarify a misunderstanding that my position seems inevitably to risk.

The New Yorker

I enjoyed teaching the first years myself when I was a second year, as it allowed me to clarify my knowledge.

BMC Medical Education

[Year 4 student] I enjoyed teaching the first years myself when I was a second year, as it allowed me to clarify my knowledge.

BMC Medical Education

Further exploration of all the enzymes overexpressed in A6-9 will allow us to clarify the 6-DCT biosynthetic pathway.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

In addition, Google will now allow you to clarify what exactly you are looking for and will use these boxes for disambiguation.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "allow me to clarify" when you sense your previous statement was ambiguous or misunderstood. It sets a polite and helpful tone for the correction.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "allow me to clarify". It can make your writing sound repetitive and somewhat condescending. Instead, try rewording the previous statement directly or using alternative phrases to introduce clarifications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allow me to clarify" functions as a polite and direct request to provide further explanation or to correct a potential misunderstanding. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used in professional or formal communications.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "allow me to clarify" is a polite and direct way to offer additional explanation or correct a misunderstanding, commonly used in professional and formal settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and effective in ensuring clarity in communication. While it's a useful phrase, avoid overuse to maintain a natural and engaging writing style. When seeking alternative phrases, consider the nuances of the specific context to convey the desired meaning accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let me elaborate

This focuses on providing more details or expanding on a previous statement.

permit me to explain

This is a more formal way of offering an explanation.

if I may add

This is used to interject with additional information or a clarifying point.

let me rephrase that

This focuses on restating something in a different way to improve understanding.

to put it another way

This highlights the intention to express the same idea using different wording.

allow me to reword that

Very similar to 'let me rephrase that', but with a slightly more formal tone.

for clarity's sake

Introduces a clarification to avoid confusion.

to be more precise

Indicates that a more exact or accurate statement will follow.

in other words

Signals a restatement of something in simpler terms.

let me put it simply

This is used to offer an explanation in a very straightforward manner.

FAQs

How can I use "allow me to clarify" in a sentence?

You can use "allow me to clarify" to introduce a more detailed or accurate explanation of something you've already said. For instance, "I didn't mean to imply that all politicians are corrupt; allow me to clarify: I was referring to specific instances of misconduct."

What's the difference between "allow me to clarify" and "let me explain"?

"Allow me to clarify" is typically used when you believe something you've already said was misunderstood or needs further refinement. "Let me explain" is used to provide an initial explanation of something that may not yet be understood.

Is "allow me to clarify" formal or informal?

"Allow me to clarify" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's appropriate in most professional and academic settings but might be a bit much for very casual conversations. Using it depends on your relationship with the receiver and the purpose of your message.

What are some alternatives to "allow me to clarify"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "let me elaborate", "permit me to explain", or "to put it another way".