clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "clarify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean to make something clearer or easier to understand. For example: "The teacher clarified the homework assignment by pointing out the specific instructions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are very happy to clarify the position, and on trade, people trade with us because we are a good trading partner.

The Guardian

I should also clarify that this has nothing to do with hating men, as some have suggested.

The Guardian - Music

Stella Creasy, the local MP, has asked the council to clarify how residents can give their feedback on the trial.

The Guardian

However, she adds that Ofsted now needs to clarify what it does expect schools to do to meet its inspection criteria.

The Guardian

Guidelines released today by the government body hope to clarify what exactly is expected from teachers to ease the pain of scrutiny.

The Guardian

This article was amended on 10 May 2010, to clarify that it was the live elements of Channel 4's Alternative Election Night which were made by Endemol UK subsidiary Zeppotron.

The Guardian

The adjudicator partially upheld her case, recommending that Oxford clarify and amend its policies.

The Guardian

This article was amended 17 February 2015 to clarify the number of countries in the Eurozone.

The Guardian - Opinion

A few days after the referendum, Downing Street was forced to clarify the prime minister's remarks to say that he was not demanding a link between the process of further Scottish devolution and English votes for English laws.

The Guardian

"Germanwings would like to clarify that no medical note was presented to the firm for this day," it said in a statement.

The Guardian

The government on Thursday delivered a statement to clarify its stand on the controversial question of the legality of settlements after the issued flared up at a Senate hearing the night before.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clarify", ensure you are making something genuinely easier to understand, not just adding more information. Focus on simplification and precision.

Common error

Avoid over-clarifying to the point of being condescending. Gauge your audience's understanding level before attempting to "clarify" something that may already be clear to them.

Linguistic Context

The verb "clarify" functions primarily to make something clearer or easier to understand. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and widespread, supported by numerous examples where "clarify" is used to remove ambiguity or provide additional explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clarify" is a versatile verb used to make something easier to understand by removing ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is used correctly and widely. It is most frequently found in news, business, and scientific contexts. To use "clarify" effectively, focus on simplifying information and tailoring your explanation to your audience's level of understanding. Be aware of the risk of over-clarifying and avoid condescension. Related phrases include "elucidate", "explain", and "make clear".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make clear

A more direct and straightforward way of saying "clarify".

elucidate

Similar in meaning, but often used in more formal or academic contexts.

clear up

Indicates resolving confusion or misunderstanding.

explain

A broader term, indicating the provision of reasons or causes to make something understandable.

spell out

Implies making something very clear and explicit, often for someone who may not understand it easily.

shed light on

Suggests revealing or clarifying something that was previously hidden or unclear.

illuminate

Similar to shed light on, suggesting a revelation of understanding.

define

Focuses on establishing a clear meaning or scope.

interpret

Involves explaining the meaning of something, often requiring analysis.

decode

Suggests unraveling something complex to make it understandable.

FAQs

How can I use "clarify" in a sentence?

You can use "clarify" when you want to make something easier to understand, such as "Could you "clarify" the instructions again?" or "Let me "clarify" my position on this issue".

What are some alternatives to the word "clarify"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "explain", "elucidate", or "make clear" as substitutes for "clarify".

What is the difference between "clarify" and "explain"?

"Clarify" suggests removing confusion and making something easier to understand, while "explain" means providing reasons or causes. You "clarify" something already presented, whereas you "explain" something new or complex.

Is it better to "clarify" or "make clear" a statement?

Both "clarify" and "make clear" are acceptable. "Make clear" is more direct, while "clarify" suggests a process of removing ambiguity. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.