clarify the context

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clarify the context" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain more details about a given topic. For example: "I'm not sure I understand your point - could you please clarify the context?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

This story was amended on 8 May 2018 to clarify the context of Tim Wilson's comments.

The Guardian

Editor's note: This article has been revised to clarify the context of the dispute between UPMC and Highmark in Pittsburgh.

Harvard Business Review

*This post was revised to clarify the context of a comment made by an American public relations executive, Mike Holtzman, in an e-mail to Sheherazad Jaafari, a press adviser to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The New York Times

In this context, we argue that in order to enable practitioners to fully exploit the benefits of RA adoption and usage, the research community must clarify the context of RA in practice.

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

I definitely intend to use the Oxford comma if and whenever its use would clarify the context of my writings.

Los Angeles Times

Below are helpful links that clarify the context in which the APA removed homosexuality from the DSM in 1974.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

This paper reports on this two-phase consultation process, which aimed to clarify the contexts in which each of these terms can be used appropriately.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

With our new health care reform, we need to budget money to collect true registries of vaccinated individuals and what happens to them after vaccination so that appropriate conclusions can be drawn". Could you clarify the content and context of the statements that you made at the 4th International Public Conference on Vaccination in October 2009, which have been so widely read and misquoted?

HuffPost

It is important that the initial assessment clarifies the context of the referral.

Medicine

Yet none of the media reports seem to have clarified the context.

The Economist

He also clarifies the context of the famous utterance of Mayor Frank Hague of Jersey City: "I am the law".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clarify the context", ensure that you provide specific details or examples to enhance understanding rather than simply stating the need for clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "clarify the context" without actually adding substantive details; otherwise, it becomes a redundant phrase that doesn't improve understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarify the context" functions as a request or instruction to provide additional information to enhance understanding. It sets an expectation for further explanation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

29%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clarify the context" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for requesting more information to aid understanding. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is frequently used in news, scientific, and formal business settings. To effectively use this phrase, always ensure that additional explanatory details are provided. Alternatives such as "explain the circumstances" or "provide background information" can offer similar nuances. The most common pitfall is using the phrase without actually offering further clarification, rendering it redundant. By providing specific details, one ensures the message is clear and comprehensive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide background information

Focuses on supplying foundational knowledge necessary for comprehending a topic or event.

elucidate the situation

Emphasizes providing more light or clarity to a specific situation, focusing on making it easier to understand.

offer a clearer picture

Highlights presenting information in a way that creates a more understandable and vivid representation.

explain the circumstances

Focuses on detailing the conditions or facts surrounding an event or situation, providing a comprehensive understanding.

give a detailed account

Emphasizes providing a comprehensive and thorough explanation of an event or situation.

shed light on the matter

Emphasizes revealing new or hidden information to enhance understanding of a specific issue.

define the framework

Highlights establishing a clear set of guidelines or structure for understanding something.

put into perspective

Focuses on presenting information in a way that allows for a balanced and objective understanding.

specify the backdrop

Underscores providing details about the setting or background against which something occurs.

detail the setting

Focuses on giving a thorough account of the environment or surroundings relevant to a particular event or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "clarify the context" in a sentence?

You can use "clarify the context" to indicate the need for more information to understand a situation fully. For example, "To understand the decision, we need to "clarify the context" in which it was made."

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

"Explain the context" generally involves providing a comprehensive account of the surrounding circumstances, while "clarify the context" focuses on making specific aspects or details clearer.

What can I say instead of "clarify the context"?

You can use alternatives like "provide background information", "elucidate the situation", or "explain the circumstances" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Why is it important to "clarify the context" when discussing complex issues?

Clarifying the context is crucial because it ensures everyone has the necessary background information to understand the nuances and implications of the issue, preventing misunderstandings and promoting informed discussions.