clarify it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clarify it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to make something clearer or to explain a point in more detail. Example: "Could you please clarify it for me? I'm not sure I understand your explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We can clarify it".

The Guardian

And clarify it online.

The Guardian

Can we clarify it?

The New York Times

"It doesn't clarify, it oversimplifies".

The New York Times

"Perhaps," he added, "they should clarify it.

The New York Times

"But you can clarify it afterwards".

The New York Times

A fair trial could help clarify it.

The New York Times

Podhoretz called the line "bizarre" and insisted I clarify it.

The New York Times

If testimony was vague, the board had the responsibility to clarify it, Mr. Stancik said.

The New York Times

In English we surround a noun with adjectives to try to clarify it.

The Guardian

They do more to distract from and obscure the view of Soutine than to clarify it.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "elucidate it" or "expound upon it" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "clarify it" when first introducing a concept. It's more appropriate when someone has already attempted an explanation and needs to provide further detail or make something more understandable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarify it" primarily functions as a request for explanation or further detail. It seeks to make something more understandable and less ambiguous. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from news articles to scientific publications, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clarify it" is a versatile and common phrase used to request further explanation or detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, from news articles to scientific publications. While appropriate for both formal and informal communication, consider alternatives like "explain it further" or "elucidate it" for specific nuances. When using "clarify it", ensure the context is already established and avoid overuse in initial explanations. Remember that "clarify it" is intended to enhance understanding by prompting additional information or a restatement in simpler terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make it clearer

Emphasizes the act of making something more easily understood; slightly more direct.

elucidate it

More formal, suggesting a thorough explanation to remove confusion.

explain it further

Asks for a more detailed explanation, adding depth to the understanding.

shed light on it

Figurative, implying the removal of obscurity or confusion.

disambiguate it

Focuses on removing ambiguity, making the meaning more precise.

spell it out

Suggests explaining something in very simple terms, possibly due to perceived difficulty.

make it plain

Similar to 'spell it out', indicating a need for simplicity and clarity.

put it in simpler terms

Directly requests a simplification of the explanation.

refine its definition

Focuses on improving the precision and accuracy of a definition.

expound upon it

Implies a desire for a more expansive and detailed explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "clarify it" to request further explanation or details. For example, "Could you "clarify it" for me? I'm not sure I understand".

What can I say instead of "clarify it"?

You can use alternatives like "explain it further", "elucidate it", or "make it clearer" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "clarify it" or "clarify that"?

The choice between ""clarify it"" and "clarify that" depends on whether you are referring to something previously mentioned (it) or a specific statement (that). "Clarify that" is used when you want someone to elaborate on a particular statement or point.

What's the difference between "clarify it" and "explain it"?

"Clarify it" implies making something already stated easier to understand, while "explain it" suggests providing a complete account or reason for something.