clarify something

USAGE SUMMARY

"clarify something" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you need to explain something or make it easier to understand, for example: "I'll need you to clarify something before we can move forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"I need to clarify something, though.

The Guardian - Sport

Q. Sir, I just wanted to clarify something.

The New York Times

And every once in a while I jump in or clarify something.

The New York Times

They may clarify something to an individual or a group but do not take on the revelatory character of myth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To clarify something in Monday's column, the partnership of Berkowitz and Sontag will "officially" start in Washington at the Summer Nationals next July.

The New York Times

Mr. Secretary, I just wanted to clarify something if I can: Will United States work to prevent the return of inspectors until a new resolution is passed?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

This sense of scrutiny helped me not only to understand Judd's work; it also clarified something in myself.

The New York Times - Arts

"I suppose a little bit of my motivation is setting the record straight, clarifying something that has become hazy.

Independent

It extends the theme of Anderson's recent "Talk to My Car" commercial a child's-inner-eye view of technology and closes with a vertiginous leap of imagination that clarifies something important about his movies.

The New Yorker

Contemplating these artists together clarifies something beyond what is good or bad in a pop song: the way musicians come to embody ideals, and how their personas and their music change as those social models shift.

The New York Times - Arts

First, both the old and new @ fulfill the same function of simplifying and clarifying something that's fiendishly complicated to make and interpret: handwritten script and computer code respectively.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clarify something", ensure you are specific about what needs clarification to avoid further confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "clarify something" without specifying what aspect requires clarification. Be precise to ensure effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarify something" functions as a verb phrase, where "clarify" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object ("something"). Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It's used to indicate the action of making a particular point or concept more understandable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clarify something" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that functions to make a concept more understandable. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and it appears most frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. It is important to be specific about what "something" refers to when using the phrase. Related phrases include "elucidate something" and "shed light on something". While the phrase is typically neutral in register, it's versatile enough for use in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make something clearer

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the need for clarification.

offer clarification on something

Highlights the act of providing clarification.

explain something further

Focuses on providing additional explanation.

provide more detail on something

Emphasizes the addition of details to make something clearer.

shed light on something

Uses a metaphorical expression to make something clearer.

expand on something

Indicates a broadening of the explanation.

elucidate something

A more formal and academic way of saying "clarify something".

illustrate something

Uses examples or visuals to make something easier to understand.

expound on something

Implies a more detailed and thorough explanation.

disambiguate something

Focuses on removing ambiguity or confusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "clarify something" when you need to make a point more understandable. For example, "Could you "clarify something" about the new policy?"

What is a formal way to say "clarify something"?

A more formal way to express "clarify something" is to use "elucidate something", which implies a more detailed and thorough explanation.

Which is correct, "clarify something" or "clarify about something"?

"Clarify something" is the correct and more common usage. "Clarify about something" is grammatically incorrect.

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

"Clarify something" suggests making something already mentioned clearer, while "explain something" refers to providing a full account or reason for something, whether it's already known or not.