clarify certain points

USAGE SUMMARY

"clarify certain points" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase any time you want to explain or elaborate on a point that may be unclear or difficult to understand. For example: "Before we can move forward with the project, we must clarify certain points in the proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Judge Sciarrino asked both sides to clarify certain points.

The New York Times

This article was amended on Friday 13 December 2013 to clarify certain points.

The Guardian

To clarify certain points the basic ideas of the theory are highlighted.

Electrochimica Acta

From time to time, the supervisors intervened to clarify certain points.

Unicef

The reviewers did have a few suggestions and queries to clarify certain points of data analysis and interpretation, which should be addressed on revision.

eLife

In rare cases, the pharmacist may need to contact the resident or their substitute decision maker to clarify certain points of information, but in general, no such contact should be necessary.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

To help understand th e sophisticated approach behind Different Ways to Infinity we spoke with Sanchez so that he could clarify certain technical points for us.

Vice

New scenes, clarifying certain plot points, such as Riku's journey and foreshadowing of Kingdom Hearts II, were included.

Wikipedia

Immediately after the interview, the interviewers listened to the tape to clarify certain issues and confirmed that all the main points were included in the notes.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

"For six months, I went to her home once a week to clarify certain things.

The New Yorker

They sought to clarify certain parts of the Charters.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clarify certain points" in your writing, ensure that you subsequently provide the necessary details or explanations to make those points clearer for your audience. Avoid using the phrase without offering further elaboration.

Common error

Avoid stating that you will "clarify certain points" and then failing to provide sufficient explanation or detail. Always ensure that the points you intend to clarify are actually made clearer to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarify certain points" functions as an introductory signal indicating that the speaker or writer intends to provide further explanation or detail on specific aspects of a topic. This usage is validated by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase often precedes a more detailed discussion. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

21%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clarify certain points" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that serves to introduce further explanation or detail. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Its prevalence in news, scientific, and business settings highlights its versatility and appropriateness for both formal and informal communication. When employing this phrase, ensure that you provide sufficient elaboration to effectively clarify the intended points. Common alternatives include "elucidate specific aspects" and "explain particular items". Remember to avoid vagueness after using the phrase by providing the necessary details to enhance your audience's understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elucidate specific aspects

Replaces "clarify" with "elucidate" and "certain points" with "specific aspects", resulting in a more formal tone.

explain particular items

Substitutes "clarify" with "explain" and "certain points" with "particular items", offering a simpler alternative.

detail some issues

Replaces "clarify" with "detail" and "certain points" with "some issues", focusing on providing more in-depth information.

specify various elements

Changes "clarify" to "specify" and "certain points" to "various elements", emphasizing precision.

shed light on selected topics

Uses a metaphorical expression, replacing "clarify" with "shed light on" and "certain points" with "selected topics".

expound on specific matters

Replaces "clarify" with "expound on" for a more elaborate and detailed explanation, substituting "certain points" with "specific matters".

resolve ambiguities in key areas

Focuses on resolving ambiguities, changing "clarify" to "resolve ambiguities in" and "certain points" to "key areas".

address unclear questions

Shifts the focus to addressing questions directly, replacing "clarify" with "address" and "certain points" with "unclear questions".

throw light on precise aspects

Similar to "shed light on", this phrase uses metaphorical language to indicate clarification, replacing "certain points" with "precise aspects".

make clear selected elements

Offers a direct and simple alternative, replacing "clarify" with "make clear" and "certain points" with "selected elements".

FAQs

How can I use "clarify certain points" in a sentence?

You can use "clarify certain points" when you want to indicate that you will provide more details or explanations on specific aspects of a topic. For example, "Before we proceed, let's "clarify certain points" regarding the budget."

What are some alternatives to saying "clarify certain points"?

Alternatives include "elucidate specific aspects", "explain particular items", or "detail some issues", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to say "clarify certain points" or "clarify all points"?

The choice depends on your intention. "Clarify certain points" suggests you're focusing on specific aspects that need explanation, while "clarify all points" implies a comprehensive explanation of everything. Choose the phrase that best reflects the scope of your clarification.

What does it mean to "clarify certain points" in a negotiation?

In a negotiation, to "clarify certain points" means to provide additional information or explanations to ensure all parties have a clear understanding of specific terms, conditions, or issues being discussed. This can prevent misunderstandings and facilitate a smoother agreement process.