clarify that

USAGE SUMMARY

"clarify that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain something more clearly for emphasis. For example, "We want to make sure every student learns the material properly. To clarify that point, we will offer additional tutoring after class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

We're working to clarify that".

The New York Times

I'd like to clarify that".

The Guardian

"We need to clarify that".

The New York Times

I would like to clarify that reference.

The New Yorker

I just wanted to clarify that".

The New York Times - Magazine

Um, could you clarify that please?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Officials later clarified that could mean decades.

The Guardian

Michael Schade did his part in clarifying that point.

The New York Times - Arts

Thank you for clarifying that point.

Forbes

Then Martin clarified: "That wasn't a question.

Huffington Post

"This study definitely clarifies that [association].

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clarify that" when you want to ensure your audience fully understands a specific point. It's effective for preventing misunderstandings or adding emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "clarify that" for points that are already clear. Overusing it can make your writing sound redundant and less engaging. Reserve it for moments of genuine ambiguity or complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarify that" functions as a discourse marker, signaling an intention to provide further explanation or to correct a potential misunderstanding. As Ludwig AI indicates, it enhances clarity and ensures the audience fully understands a specific point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clarify that" is a versatile phrase used to enhance understanding and prevent misinterpretations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and commonly employed across diverse writing styles. It is most frequently seen in news and media, followed by academia and science. When writing, use "clarify that" to ensure complex information is easily understood but avoid overuse in simplistic contexts. Related phrases such as "make that clearer" or "explain that further" can offer variety. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "clarify that" to provide additional explanation and prevent misunderstandings in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make that clearer

Focuses on making something more understandable, emphasizing the improvement in clarity.

give a clearer explanation of that

Requests a more lucid and understandable explanation.

explain that further

Emphasizes the need for a more detailed explanation of a specific point.

restate that with more clarity

Emphasizes rewording something to enhance understandability.

elaborate on that

Suggests expanding on a topic to provide more information.

provide more detail on that

Highlights the need for additional details to enhance understanding.

offer further clarification

Formal way to express the need for more explanation to avoid confusion.

can you be more specific about that

Requests a move from generalities to concrete details.

shed more light on that

Figurative way of saying to make something easier to understand.

spell that out

Requests a very clear and direct explanation, often when something is complex.

FAQs

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

You can use "clarify that" to introduce a more detailed explanation or to correct a misunderstanding. For example, "The report suggests budget cuts are necessary; to "clarify that", these cuts will not affect frontline services".

What are some alternatives to "clarify that"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "explain that further", "elaborate on that", or "make that clearer". Each option provides a slightly different nuance for emphasizing understanding.

Is it always necessary to "clarify that" after making a statement?

No, only use "clarify that" when there's a need to provide additional details or address potential confusion. Overusing it can disrupt the flow of your writing. Assess whether further explanation genuinely enhances understanding.

What is the difference between "clarify that" and "specify that"?

"Clarify that" is used to make something easier to understand, while "specify that" /s/specify+that is used to provide precise details. For example, "The policy changes are significant; to "clarify that", they aim to improve efficiency. We must also "specify that" these changes will be implemented on July 1st".