clarifying remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clarifying remark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to provide additional information or explanation to make something clearer in a conversation or text. Example: "During the meeting, she made a clarifying remark to ensure everyone understood the project's objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

24 Jul 2012 added clarifying remark to Identify and Remove Point Sources section.

Harvard University

As for the tattoo thing, some of us wish we'd heard Mr. Stotsky's clarifying remark before we got the "whoomp, there it is" tramp stamp back in 1993.

The New York Times - Arts

I do not think it misrepresented what he said, or ignored any crucial clarifying remark that followed.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Clarifying remarks are included as appropriate.

Safety and Security Review for the Process Industries Application of HAZOP, PHA and What-If Reviews

This story was updated November 16 at 10 37am ET to include clarifying remarks from Ferguson police chief Tom Jackson.

Vice

Applewhite described his role as a "lab instructor" and served as the primary speaker, while Nettles occasionally interjected clarifying remarks or corrections.

Wikipedia

This article was amended on 29 May 2012 to clarify remarks made by the protester.

The Guardian

He also had to clarify remarks he made Thursday about his opposition to women serving in combat.

The New York Times

This article was amended on Wednesday 26 June to clarify remarks attributed to Norman Siegel that were actually made by Mark Lewis.

The Guardian

The Northern Ireland attorney general, John Larkin, has dropped court action against Peter Hain after Hain agreed to clarify remarks he made about a high court judge.

The Guardian

I am gratified that Bill Keller, The Times's executive editor, has finally clarified remarks made by him that were unsupported by fact and personally distressing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clarifying remark", ensure it directly relates to the preceding statement and genuinely enhances understanding for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "clarifying remark" when the original statement is already clear. Adding unnecessary clarification can make your writing sound redundant and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarifying remark" functions as a noun phrase, where "clarifying" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "remark". It typically introduces an explanation or additional detail intended to make a statement or concept more easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clarifying remark" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce additional explanation for better understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While its usage is relatively rare, it appears across academic, news, and scientific contexts. For alternatives, consider "explanatory note" or "elucidating comment". When using "clarifying remark", ensure it directly relates to the preceding statement and genuinely enhances comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explanatory note

Focuses on the note being explanatory, similar to a remark but more formal.

elucidating comment

Highlights the act of making something clearer or easier to understand.

illuminating observation

Emphasizes the insight provided by the remark, suggesting it sheds light on the subject.

additional explanation

Directly states that more explanation is being given, less nuanced than "clarifying remark".

further clarification

Indicates that clarification is being added to something already clarified.

qualifying statement

Implies the remark sets conditions or limitations, changing the scope.

supplementary detail

Adds extra detail to enhance understanding, focuses on information provided.

interpretive comment

Provides an interpretation or understanding of something.

contextual note

Highlights the addition of context to aid understanding.

defining statement

Implies the remark sets a definition or clear boundary.

FAQs

How can I use "clarifying remark" in a sentence?

You can use "clarifying remark" when you want to introduce additional information or explanation to ensure something is better understood. For example, "After the presentation, the speaker added a "clarifying remark" about the budget allocation".

What's a good alternative to "clarifying remark"?

Alternatives include "explanatory note", "elucidating comment", or "additional explanation". These phrases provide similar meanings while varying the tone and emphasis of your statement.

Is it better to provide a "clarifying remark" or a "qualifying statement"?

A "clarifying remark" aims to make something clearer, while a "qualifying statement" sets conditions or limitations. Choose the phrase that best reflects the purpose of your additional information.

When should I avoid using "clarifying remark"?

Avoid using "clarifying remark" if the original statement is already clear and concise. In such cases, adding further explanation may be unnecessary and detract from your writing's impact.