can you clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

"can you clarify" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used when you want someone to explain or provide more specific information about something that they have previously stated. Example: "I didn't understand the instructions you gave me. Can you clarify what you meant by 'start from the bottom'?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Can you clarify this?

The New York Times

Q: Can you clarify what Labour's position is on the graduate tax?

The Guardian

Can you clarify that: You accept that climate change is caused by human activity?

The Guardian

On the fuel tax, what can you clarify what the Greens position is on this?

The Guardian

QUESTION FROM GUEST: Can you clarify what you mean by easy/hard to manipulate re: status symbols?

The New Yorker

Q. Can you clarify that? A. All of our employees were very accepting of what we were doing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Explaining things to someone else can help you clarify how you feel, and they can give you good advice.

WikiHow

Well, the irony is that such pre-formulation can help you clarify things.

Huffington Post

These guidelines from Fit Bottomed Girls can help you clarify your intentions, resulting in meaningful change.

Huffington Post

Whether you're planning your own wedding or enlisting the services of a wedding planner, a few simple steps can help you clarify a vision that's in line with your own unique personality, and make it a reality.

Huffington Post

Plus, the process of writing can help you clarify your thoughts.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can you clarify", be specific about what needs clarification. This helps the speaker focus their explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "can you clarify" without specifying what aspect requires clarification. Vague requests can lead to unfocused or unhelpful responses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can you clarify" functions as an interrogative expression used to solicit further explanation or detail regarding a previously stated point. According to Ludwig, it is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

19%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

1%

The New York Times

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can you clarify" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to request further explanation or details. Ludwig confirms that it is frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, consider using more formal alternatives, such as "could you elaborate", in professional settings. When using the phrase, ensure you are specific about the aspect requiring clarification to elicit a focused and helpful response. The phrase demonstrates consistent usage and serves to reduce ambiguity, ensuring better comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could you elaborate

More formal alternative requesting additional details.

could you explain further

A slightly more formal way of asking for more explanation.

can you give more details

Focuses on requesting specific details.

can you be more specific

Asks for a more targeted explanation.

what do you mean by that

Directly asks for the meaning behind a statement.

can you restate that

Requests the speaker to say the same thing in different words.

are you able to clarify

Formal and polite way to ask for clarification.

can you give us some context

Requests background information to better understand something.

please explain

Direct and polite request for explanation.

what does that mean

Simple and direct way to ask for the meaning of something.

FAQs

How to use "can you clarify" in a sentence?

Use "can you clarify" when you need someone to provide a clearer or more detailed explanation. For example, "The instructions were confusing; "can you clarify" step two?"

What can I say instead of "can you clarify"?

You can use alternatives like "could you elaborate", "can you explain further", or "can you be more specific" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can you clarify" or "could you clarify"?

Both ""can you clarify"" and "could you clarify" are grammatically correct. "Could you clarify" is generally considered more polite and formal.

What's the difference between "can you clarify" and "can you explain"?

"Can you clarify" typically asks for a more precise or detailed explanation of something already mentioned. "Can you explain" is a broader request, asking for a general explanation of a topic.