clarifying phrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clarifying phrase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a phrase that serves to explain or make something clearer in a conversation or text. Example: "In order to avoid confusion, I will include a clarifying phrase to elaborate on my point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

An opening clarifying phrase explains the odd-sounding title: A "mondegreen" is defined as "a misunderstood or misinterpreted word or phrase resulting from mishearing".

Vice

For example, we added a clarifying phrase to two items about summer leisure activities and to an item about working regularly.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This procedure consists of clarifying vague phrases and concepts in the problem, defining the problem, analysing the problem on the basis of prior knowledge, arranging the proposed explanations, formulating learning objectives, trying to fill in the knowledge gaps by means of self study and reporting the findings in the group [ 2].

BMC Medical Education

Hyphens can clarify a phrase and are sometimes crucial to the meaning.

The New York Times

Although the declaration was meant to clarify a phrase in a document from the Second Vatican Council (1962 65) and did not change church teaching, its assertion that other Christian bodies "cannot be called 'churches' in the proper sense" because they lack apostolic succession was lamented by several Protestant groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A simple statistic immediately clarifies the phrase.

Huffington Post

O'Neill said Wednesday he would not clarify the phrase, which has been included on the charges against the comedian.

Vice

This quiz was amended on 8 August 2016 to clarify the phrasing of the first question.

The Guardian

Initially interviews were read independently, to clarify key phrases or words and emerging concepts related to each of the three objectives: (1) mothers' knowledge of child safety devices and practices, (2) facilitators and inhibitors of child safety practices, and (3) mothers' recommendations for future child safety interventions to improve message delivery.

BMC Public Health

But in some cases I've 'taken' them in a sort of oblique way that's entailed further small changes around the recommended change — most often, this has taken the form of clarifying or declumsifying a phrase or passage you'd suggested, but then finding other, more innocuous ways to clumsify or 'voice up' that part".

The New Yorker

UPDATE: Several of our commenters have clarified that the phrase, "absolutely legless", is an English expression meaning "drunk".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clarifying phrase" when you want to specifically draw attention to the fact that a phrase is intended to make something easier to understand.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "clarifying phrase" if the subsequent phrase does not genuinely add clarity. Ensure that the added phrase simplifies or explains the original statement, rather than complicating it further.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarifying phrase" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific type of phrase. As supported by Ludwig AI, it denotes a phrase whose primary role is to provide clarification or explanation. It helps to label a specific linguistic element within a text or speech.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clarifying phrase" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase, though its frequency is relatively low. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suggests that it serves to describe a phrase designed to enhance understanding. Its usage spans across news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When seeking alternatives, consider "explanatory expression" or "elucidating phrase" for similar meanings. When employing "clarifying phrase" in your writing, prioritize clarity and ensure the context readily identifies what is being clarified for optimal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explanatory expression

Replaces "phrase" with "expression", implying a spoken rather than written element.

elucidating phrase

"Elucidating" provides a more formal synonym for "clarifying".

defining phrase

Focuses on providing a definition to remove ambiguity.

illuminating phrase

"Illuminating" suggests shedding light on something previously obscure.

descriptive phrase

Highlights the descriptive nature of the phrase in aiding understanding.

explicatory phrase

A more technical and formal synonym for "explanatory".

interpretive phrase

Emphasizes the role of the phrase in providing an interpretation.

phrase for clarification

Reverses the structure, focusing on the purpose of clarification.

phrase providing clarity

Highlights the action of providing clarity.

disambiguating phrase

Focuses specifically on removing ambiguity.

FAQs

How to use "clarifying phrase" in a sentence?

You can use "clarifying phrase" to refer to a phrase that helps explain or make something more understandable. For example: "The author included a "clarifying phrase" to ensure readers grasped the complex concept."

What can I say instead of "clarifying phrase"?

Alternatives include "explanatory phrase", "elucidating phrase", or "defining phrase" depending on the specific context.

What is the purpose of a "clarifying phrase"?

A "clarifying phrase" is used to provide additional information or explanation to make a statement or concept easier to understand, reducing ambiguity and potential misinterpretations.

Is "clarifying phrase" formal or informal?

"Clarifying phrase" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing, though more formal alternatives like "explicatory phrase" may be preferred in some contexts.