clarify issues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clarify issues" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make something clear or resolve confusion regarding specific problems or topics. Example: "In our meeting, we need to clarify issues related to the project timeline and budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But ideological orthodoxy can dampen the robust discussions in chambers that clarify issues and shape rulings.

The New York Times

While doing this, Boyd holds a Q&A with himself to clarify issues of character or plot.

The Guardian - Books

In these he didn't just clarify issues of prayer and alms giving, he strongly condemned Sufi practices like singing, dancing, vegetarianism and seclusion.

The Guardian

They are backing a bill in the House, H.R. 3035, that they say would clarify issues of consent surrounding automated calls.

The New York Times

And while many people find it distasteful even to consider drafting a formal contract with a spouse, others believe that postnuptial agreements can help to clarify issues in a marriage.

The New York Times

The heavily controlled format forces leaders to construct themselves as a package with more pluses than minuses, not to clarify issues but to position themselves within a narrow and carefully-policed spectrum.

The Guardian

In a letter explaining how history and cases elsewhere influenced her decision, she told Mr. Romero's public defender, Alan Maestas, and the local district attorney's office that Congress needed to clarify issues of jurisdiction over all Indian lands.

The New York Times

Back in the UK, the consumer group Consumer Focus has confirmed it is looking at this type of website and ­addressing what can be done to clarify issues for consumers.

The Guardian - Money

Critics said the new guidelines do not go far enough, fail to clarify issues of financial compensation for victims and allow offending clergy members to continue to serve within the church.

The New York Times

Evidence-based standards may improve care in certain situations, and they may clarify issues on some questions of malpractice, but they should not provide a blanket grant of immunity to those practicing medicine.

The New York Times

These considerations clarify issues only partially investigated in past studies.

Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clarify issues", ensure that the context provides enough information about the nature of the issues being clarified. Be specific rather than vague to enhance the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "clarify issues" as a filler phrase. Always ensure that you're actually providing clarification or indicating how the issues will be clarified. If the action or result of clarifying is absent, the phrase loses its value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarify issues" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "clarify" acts as a transitive verb and "issues" serves as its direct object. It indicates the action of making certain problems or subjects easier to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clarify issues" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of making problems or subjects easier to understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, including science, news media, and formal business settings. When using "clarify issues", it is best to provide context to ensure clarity and avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "resolve problems" or "elucidate matters" can be used depending on the specific context. While frequently encountered in professional and scientific writing, avoiding overuse without specific context is crucial to maintaining clarity and impact. Therefore, be sure to contextualize the phrase appropriately, providing sufficient information about the problems being clarified, as doing so will enrich its use and prevent it from seeming like a generic placeholder.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve problems

Focuses on finding solutions to problems rather than just making them clear.

elucidate matters

Emphasizes making something easier to understand, particularly complex matters.

shed light on subjects

Highlights the act of revealing or making something more apparent.

define ambiguities

Concentrates on removing uncertainty by providing definitions.

explain concerns

Specifically addresses the act of explaining worries or anxieties.

clear up misunderstandings

Specifically targets resolving confusion between parties.

untangle complexities

Emphasizes simplifying intricate or convoluted issues.

address questions

Deals with responding to inquiries and providing answers.

iron out discrepancies

Highlights the process of correcting inconsistencies.

sort out difficulties

Focuses on organizing and resolving complicated situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "clarify issues" to indicate the act of making problems or topics clearer. For example, "The meeting was held to clarify issues related to the budget".

What are some alternatives to "clarify issues"?

Alternatives include "resolve problems", "elucidate matters", or "address questions", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "clarify issues" or "clarify the issues"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "clarify the issues" is more specific, referring to a defined set of issues, while "clarify issues" is more general.

What's the difference between "clarify issues" and "resolve issues"?

"Clarify issues" means to make the issues clearer and more understandable. "Resolve issues" implies finding solutions and fixing the problems. While related, they have different focuses.