clarification

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'clarification' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to explain something more clearly or when you need to make something clearer. Example: Since there was confusion about the new policy, I asked my supervisor to provide clarification.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tony Abbott has sought to play down the backlash over Australia's decision to refer to East Jerusalem as "disputed" rather than "occupied" territory, saying the government had made only a "terminological clarification".

The Guardian

In a statement shortly following the law was passed, the government said that "South Africa takes note of the recent developments regarding the situation of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transsexual and Intersex persons (LGBTI) worldwide….[and] will, through existing diplomatic channels, be seeking clarification on these developments from many capitals around the world".

The Guardian

The United Arab Emirates said earlier in the day that it wanted "a formal clarification" of Biden's recent comments that America's allies in the Middle East sent weapons and cash to extremists fighting in Syria.

The Guardian

On Friday she was told by the Bank of Cyprus that it was seeking clarification.

The Guardian

The Irish Times and the public-service broadcaster RTÉ are separately seeking judicial clarification on their right to report on remarks made in the Irish parliament about Denis O'Brien and the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, formerly Anglo-Irish Bank. Anglo-Irish Bank

The Guardian

Not surprisingly, he would welcome a clarification of the rules governing the domestic use of CCTV cameras.

The Guardian

The critics nodded, then one writer asked for clarification about a report that HBO didn't even reply to writer Matthew Weiner - a former Sopranos scribe - when he offered the channel his award-winning Mad Men, which wound up at AMC. "Here's the bottom line: it's a wonderful show," Plepler said.

The Guardian

And because we are open, with no paywall, we are able to put the reader at the heart of what we do; we are open to suggestion, correction, clarification, engagement and debate.

The Guardian

Yes governments approved the final Summary for Policy Makers on a line-by-line basis – but the draft was written by the scientists and the scientists had to approve every change that was made – indeed the changes that were made were mostly for clarification.

The Guardian

That was what the argument between senator Brandis and the Greens was all about but there has been no change in policy – simply a terminological clarification.

The Guardian

The result is this "clarification" and apology, which appears today at the foot of The Sun's page 2: "A headline in our 15 March article on Britain's Got Talent wrongly suggested that Louis Walsh had been involved in a 'fix' on the show.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting "clarification", be specific about what needs to be clarified to ensure a relevant and helpful response.

Common error

While "clarification" is appropriate in many situations, consider using stronger verbs like "elucidate" or "explain" in formal writing to add nuance and precision.

Linguistic Context

The noun "clarification" functions as a noun, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various sentences, indicating it denotes the act of making something clearer. For instance, requesting or providing "clarification" on a subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clarification" is a grammatically correct and common noun used to describe the act of making something clearer. According to Ludwig AI, it is a valid and usable term in written English. Its frequent presence in news and media, alongside formal business contexts, underscores its widespread applicability. When using "clarification", ensure that your request or provision of it is specific and targeted to the area needing further explanation. Consider stronger verbs like "elucidate" or synonyms like "explanation" and "elucidation" in formal settings to provide more nuanced communication. By understanding these aspects, you can effectively use "clarification" to enhance clarity and comprehension in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elucidation

Focuses on shedding light on a subject, often implying a deeper level of understanding.

explanation

Provides a reason or justification, often simplifying complex topics.

explication

Offers a detailed analysis and interpretation, suitable for academic contexts.

interpretation

Presents a subjective understanding, often implying multiple valid viewpoints.

illustration

Uses examples to clarify, making abstract ideas more concrete.

simplification

Reduces complexity to make something easier to understand.

restatement

Expresses something again in a different way, often for emphasis.

definition

Provides a precise meaning, removing ambiguity.

interpretation

Offers a personal or professional opinion about the subject matter.

disclosure

Reveals information that was previously hidden or unclear.

FAQs

How do you use "clarification" in a sentence?

You can use "clarification" to request further details or explanation on a topic. For example, "I need "clarification" on the new policy" or "Could you provide "clarification" on that point?".

What's the difference between "clarification" and "explanation"?

"Clarification" typically refers to making something already stated easier to understand, while "explanation" involves providing reasons or causes to make something understandable. An "explanation" offers a broader context, whereas a "clarification" focuses on removing ambiguity.

What are some synonyms for "clarification"?

Alternatives to "clarification" include "elucidation", "explanation", "explication", "interpretation", and "illustration". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a clarification" or simply "clarification"?

Both are correct, depending on the context. "Clarification" is used as a general term. "A clarification" is used when referring to a specific instance of making something clearer. For instance, "I need "clarification" on the rules" versus "Here's "a clarification" regarding the meeting time".