clarify the nature of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clarify the nature of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain or make something more understandable regarding its characteristics or essence. Example: "In our meeting, we need to clarify the nature of the project to ensure everyone is on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

*This post has been updated to clarify the nature of Roy Moore's electoral victory.

The New Yorker

The Guardian also asked the league to clarify the nature of their relationship with Traffic via email.

The Guardian - Sport

A new biography of Schwarzkopf, by British musicologist Alan Jefferson, claims to clarify the nature of her Nazi allegiance.

The New Yorker

This article was amended on 16 December 2015 to clarify the nature of the solstice on 22 December.

The Guardian

This article was amended on 15 February 2016 to further clarify the nature of Rich Ricci's departure from Barclays.

The Guardian - Sport

This article seeks to clarify the nature of modern aesthetics and to delineate its underlying principles and concerns.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first paragraph of this article was amended on 17 April 2014 to clarify the nature of the musicians' contribution to the show.

The Guardian

This article was amended on 22 September 2015 to clarify the nature of Anna Coutsoudis' involvement in the foundation of the South African Breast Milk Reserve.

The Guardian

I.A.E.A. inspectors have been able to gain ready access and to clarify the nature of the activities currently being conducted in these facilities.

The New York Times

Asked to clarify the nature of its relationship with the Christian Legal Centre, the LCF said: "The LCF is a completely separate organisation from the Christian Legal Centre.

The Guardian

We must clarify the nature of what must be done to secure governance that is both democratic and as effective as circumstances require.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clarify the nature of" when addressing complex or abstract concepts that require detailed explanation. This helps in breaking down intricate subjects into more comprehensible parts.

Common error

Avoid using "clarify the nature of" when the subject is already straightforward. Overusing the phrase in simple contexts can make your writing seem verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarify the nature of" functions primarily as a verb phrase used to introduce a more detailed explanation or to resolve ambiguities. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase sets the stage for a deeper understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clarify the nature of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce explanations, resolve ambiguities, and enhance understanding, especially in formal, scientific, and news contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While very common in academic and scientific writing, it is also applicable across various mediums to improve comprehension and offer detailed insights. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is complex enough to warrant detailed clarification and that the explanation is clear and concise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specify the characteristics of

This alternative focuses on being more specific about the attributes or qualities in question.

elucidate the essence of

This phrase emphasizes revealing the fundamental or intrinsic qualities of something.

explain the details of

This option concentrates on providing a detailed account or description.

define the parameters of

This choice highlights setting the boundaries or scope of something.

describe the specifics of

This variation focuses on detailing particular aspects or features.

determine the properties of

This alternative emphasizes identifying the attributes or qualities of something.

reveal the details about

This option focuses on uncovering specific pieces of information.

spell out the features of

This choice highlights explicitly detailing the characteristics or aspects.

delineate the qualities of

This alternative focuses on describing the attributes or characteristics clearly and precisely.

make clear the attributes of

This alternative emphasizes improving understanding of inherent qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "clarify the nature of" in a sentence?

You can use "clarify the nature of" to introduce a more detailed explanation or description of a concept, issue, or relationship. For example, "The study aims to clarify the nature of the link between diet and mental health".

What are some alternatives to "clarify the nature of"?

Alternatives include "explain the details of", "elucidate the essence of", or "define the parameters of", depending on the specific context and the degree of detail you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "clarify the nature of" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "clarify the nature of" when you need to provide a more comprehensive understanding of something that might be complex, ambiguous, or misunderstood. It is particularly useful in academic, scientific, and formal business writing.

What is the difference between "clarify the nature of" and "explain the nature of"?

"Clarify the nature of" suggests making something already known more understandable, while "explain the nature of" implies providing an initial explanation. The former is used when some understanding exists, but needs refinement, while the latter is for introducing a topic.