clarify further

USAGE SUMMARY

"clarify further" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
You can use it to ask for more information when something isn't clear. For example, "Can you clarify further what you mean by 'alternative interpretation'?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He declined to clarify further.

The New York Times

Danese said future studies would need to clarify further the direction of the effect.

The Guardian

"We are working with her lawyers in Peru and hope to be in a position to clarify further as soon as possible".

The Guardian

Finally, we report new calculations to clarify further similarities between crystals containing large concentrations of point defects and amorphous silicon.

Chemical Engineering Science

Studies with a comparative design, as well as randomised studies are needed to clarify further this issue of major importance.

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents

Ministers say they intend to clarify further local relationships between children's trusts which bring together all services for children and the youth offending teams.

The Guardian

Computer simulations were carried out using a reactive molecular dynamics code, to clarify further the decomposition mechanisms, reaction paths and the possible effect of titanium on decomposition.

Acta Materialia

This will be a separate investigation to the one conducted by West Yorkshire police, and will help to clarify further detail on the altercation itself and how it was managed.

The Guardian - Sport

To compare the extent of intraocular straylight in carriers of choroideremia (CHM) and X-linked recessive retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) to clarify further the relationship between photoreceptor cell degeneration and intraocular light scatter in retinal diseases.

Ophthalmology

Moreover, using a Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectrometer, and zeta potential analysis, we demonstrate the morphology of PC dispersant on coal and clarify further the mechanism of the efficient PC dispersant.

Powder Technology

Our study extends this work by examining three metaphors to clarify further whether differences can be attributed to the metaphor's structure being spatial (versus non-spatial) or because it has greater familiarity.

Interacting with Computers

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clarify further" when you need more details or a better understanding of something already mentioned. It's a polite way to ask for additional explanation.

Common error

Do not use "clarify further" when "clarify" alone suffices. For example, prefer "Can you clarify this?" instead of "Can you clarify this further?" if no prior clarification attempt was made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarify further" functions as a request for additional information or explanation. It's typically used when an initial explanation is insufficient and more details are needed for complete understanding. As Ludwig highlights, it's a common and grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clarify further" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to request additional details or explanation when something is not fully understood. As indicated by Ludwig, its function is to seek deeper understanding across various contexts, particularly in science, news media, and academic settings. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to avoid redundancy by using simply "clarify" when appropriate. For alternatives, consider "elaborate more", "explain in greater detail", or "provide additional clarification". By understanding its usage and exploring alternatives, you can effectively communicate your need for more information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Elaborate more

Focuses on providing additional details or expanding on a previous statement.

Explain in greater detail

Emphasizes a more thorough and comprehensive explanation.

Provide additional clarification

Highlights the act of making something clearer through supplementary information.

Give more context

Stresses the importance of background information for better understanding.

Shed more light on

Suggests illuminating or revealing more about a topic.

Offer further insight

Indicates providing a deeper or more nuanced understanding.

Expand upon this

Asks for an enlargement of the topic already at hand.

Detail further

Requests that something be described more fully.

Go into more specifics

Implies providing precise details and particulars.

Delve deeper

Encourages a more profound and thorough investigation or explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "clarify further" in a sentence?

You can use "clarify further" when you need someone to provide more details or a better explanation. For instance, "Could you "elaborate more" on your previous statement?" or "Can you "explain in greater detail" the process you followed?"

What is a more formal way to ask someone to "clarify further"?

In a more formal context, you can use phrases like "provide additional clarification" or "offer further insight". For example, "Would you be able to "provide additional clarification" regarding this matter?"

Is it redundant to say "clarify further"?

While "clarify further" is generally acceptable, be mindful of potential redundancy. If you're asking for the first instance of clarification, "clarify" alone might be sufficient. However, "clarify further" is appropriate when building on a previous attempt at clarification. It's similar to asking to "go into more specifics".

What's the difference between "clarify" and "clarify further"?

"Clarify" means to make something clear or easier to understand. "Clarify further" implies that there has already been an attempt at clarification, but more details are needed. Essentially, it means to "detail further".