clarifications

USAGE SUMMARY

"clarifications" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make something clearer and/or easier to understand. For example: "The teacher gave the students a few clarifications to help them understand the material better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sender's full postal address and phone number are required, for verification only: Guardian [email protected] Observer [email protected] Corrections and clarifications of editorial content - the readers' editors* It is the policy of the Guardian and the Observer to correct significant editorial errors and handle editorial complaints as soon as possible.

The Guardian

For further information on the Guardian's editorial code and corrections and clarifications policy, please visit the accuracy and standards section.

The Guardian

The following correction was printed in the Guardian's Corrections and clarifications column, 15 November 2010 The article below put the number of female heads of state attending at four, and included among them the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, and Australia's prime minister, Julia Gillard.

The Guardian

The following correction was printed in the Guardian's Corrections and clarifications column, Thursday 23 June 2011.

The Guardian

According to Blair – we can safely dismiss his subsequent clarifications – Labour under the successor he regards as the wrong Miliband will probably lose because Ed Miliband has moved his party away from the centre ground.

The Guardian

The duo – British artist Luke Turner, 32, and Finnish artist Nastja Säde Rönkkö, 29 – published two "important clarifications" on Twitter.

The Guardian - Film

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) has welcomed the clarifications about what teachers should expect during an inspection.

The Guardian

ATL's sentiments are echoed by teachers online who feel Ofsted's clarifications haven't gone far enough: What are your thoughts?

The Guardian

The following correction was printed in the Guardian's Corrections and clarifications column, Saturday 5 September 2009 The Greens came third with 22% of the vote in Brighton Pavilion in 2005, not second, as the Political briefing said.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the record is the Observer's weekly corrections and clarifications column.

The Guardian

The following correction was printed in the Guardian's Corrections and clarifications column, Saturday 2 October 2010 The leader below implied that Tony Curtis was either the speaker or the object of "the best last line of any film", namely: "Well, nobody's perfect".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clarifications", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being clarified. Be specific about the original statement or concept that requires further explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "clarifications" as a filler word without providing actual, substantive details. Ensure each clarification adds meaningful understanding, rather than simply restating the original point in slightly different words.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clarifications" is as a noun, specifically the plural form. It refers to the act of making something clearer or the resulting explanations that improve understanding. As evidenced by Ludwig, the term is widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clarifications" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe the act of making something clearer. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English writing. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, it serves the purpose of enhancing understanding and resolving ambiguities. When using "clarifications", ensure specificity in what is being clarified and avoid using it vaguely without substantive details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explanations

Focuses more broadly on providing reasons or justifications, not necessarily making something clearer.

elucidations

Implies a more formal and detailed explanation, often used in academic or technical contexts.

illuminations

Suggests a metaphorical 'shedding light' on a topic, making it easier to understand.

expositions

Refers to a comprehensive explanation or presentation of a topic.

interpretations

Highlights the subjective understanding or explanation of something.

definitions

Focuses on providing precise meanings of terms or concepts.

details

Emphasizes the provision of specific information to enhance understanding.

specifications

Indicates a detailed description of the features of something.

instructions

Concerns providing guidance or directions on how to do something.

annotations

Refers to notes added to a text or diagram to provide explanation or comment.

FAQs

How can I use "clarifications" in a sentence?

You can use "clarifications" to refer to explanations that make something clearer. For example, "The document includes several "clarifications" to help readers understand the new policy."

What is an alternative to using "clarifications"?

Alternatives to "clarifications" include "explanations", "elucidations", or "interpretations" depending on the context. Each of these alternatives carries slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to use "clarifications" in formal writing?

Yes, "clarifications" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when providing detailed explanations or corrections in academic, professional, or news contexts.

What's the difference between "clarifications" and "details"?

"Clarifications" are intended to make something clearer, whereas "details" simply provide more information, not necessarily making something easier to understand. You can use "details" to support or provide "clarifications".