careful to clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "careful to clarify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing the importance of being precise or clear in communication to avoid misunderstandings. Example: "In our discussions, it is crucial to be careful to clarify any ambiguous points to ensure everyone is on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It's an issue ad, the candidate is careful to clarify.

The New York Times

Abani is careful to clarify that his work "is not about the pornographic revisitation of pain or suffering".

The Guardian - Books

But, over brunch at an Atlanta diner (potato latkes, naturally), he's careful to clarify that his aggressive tactics don't amount to proselytizing.

The New York Times - Magazine

He hands out a lot of his own legal advice, although he is careful to clarify that he is not a practicing lawyer.

The New York Times

One high-ranking Cuban official was careful to clarify that his country wasn't "normalizing relations with the United States," but rather was reestablishing diplomatic ties, according to the Associated Press (AP).

Harvard University

The perception that marriage equality was a poisoned pink chalice persisted up to the 2008 election, when even Obama was careful to clarify that he wasn't in favour of gay marriage, apparently heeding warnings from Bill Clinton to give the issue a wide berth.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Care to clarify?

The Guardian - Sport

(Given that a large portion of his electorate comes from the civil service, Hollande is careful not to clarify where precisely these jobs will be lost).

The Guardian - Opinion

When reported in a clinical setting, it may signal that careful assessment is needed to clarify diagnosis and inform treatment strategies.

Stanford University

Careful wording is needed to clarify this and to discuss how the two outcome-relevant parameters that are being compared, sequence frequency and duration, differ.

eLife

Careful and comprehensive studies are needed to clarify the pathways through which low socioeconomic status exerts its influence on susceptibility to CHD.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "careful to clarify" when you want to emphasize the importance of avoiding ambiguity and ensuring a clear understanding. It's particularly useful in formal or technical contexts where precision is key.

Common error

Avoid using "careful to clarify" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "diligent in explaining" or "meticulous in specifying" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "careful to clarify" functions as an adjectival phrase emphasizing the intention to provide clear and unambiguous information. As seen in Ludwig, it underscores the importance of precision in communication to prevent misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "careful to clarify" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the importance of precision and clear communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. While it's a valuable phrase, remember to vary your language to avoid redundancy by using alternatives like "meticulous in explaining" or "diligent in specifying". By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "careful to clarify" to ensure your message is clear and unambiguous.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meticulous in explaining

Emphasizes thoroughness and attention to detail in the explanation.

diligent in specifying

Highlights the conscientiousness in providing precise details.

particular about defining

Stresses the importance of accurate and distinct definitions.

precise in articulating

Focuses on the accuracy and clarity of expression.

scrupulous in detailing

Highlights the extreme care and thoroughness in providing details.

thorough in elucidating

Emphasizes the completeness and clarity of the explanation.

exact in outlining

Focuses on the precision and accuracy in presenting an outline.

attentive in explaining

Highlights the care and focus given to the explanation.

accurate in presenting

Stresses the correctness and truthfulness in the presentation of information.

mindful in specifying

Highlights the awareness and attention to detail when specifying information.

FAQs

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

You can use "careful to clarify" to emphasize the need for precision and clear communication. For example, "The scientist was careful to clarify the methodology to avoid any misunderstandings."

What are some alternatives to "careful to clarify"?

Alternatives include "meticulous in explaining", "diligent in specifying", or "precise in articulating", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "careful to clarify" or "carefully clarify"?

"Careful to clarify" emphasizes the intention and effort to be clear, while "carefully clarify" focuses on the action itself. Both are grammatically correct but convey slightly different nuances.

When is it most appropriate to use "careful to clarify"?

It's most appropriate in formal or technical contexts where precision and clear understanding are essential, such as in scientific reports, legal documents, or academic papers.