clear up some things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear up some things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to clarify or resolve misunderstandings or confusion about certain topics or issues. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, I think it's important to clear up some things regarding our roles and responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They dawdle endlessly in ignorance when a cleanly formulated question or two would clear up some things pretty quickly.

The New York Times

"We'll have a meeting, to clear up some things about the way the team operates," Lavagne said.

BBC

"For months I went to her house once a week to clear up some things".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We are glad to hear about this pin-ball machine, because it clears up some things about European diplomacy that had been puzzling to us.

The New Yorker

Guardian staff hrwaldram 03 June 2013 2 02pm Hi all, it's 2pm (BST) and the webchat is due to finish now - thanks for all your questions and for @bishtraining and @jimmccaul for joining us to answer so many of them - hope that's cleared up some things and we'll keep this thread open for a little while too.

The Guardian

I would like to clear up a few things.

Huffington Post

This is especially true in the Abstract, which should be modified to clear up a few things.

Biology Direct

All of the methods and attributes are explained in the online software documentation, for example: http://yeadon.readthedocs.org/en/latest/segment.html We can add some of those details in the paper if you think it will clear up things, or maybe link to the online documentation.

F1000Research

And it also helps clear up things!

WikiHow

You want to clear up things that perhaps the teen had taken to heart and had taken offense to.

WikiHow

Tell your friend that you've heard negative rumors about you that were apparently sourced from your friend and that you're trying to clear up things as quickly and carefully as possible.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clear up some things", ensure that the context is specific and that you indicate what "things" need clarification. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your message is clear.

Common error

Avoid using "clear up some things" without specifying what needs clarification. For example, instead of saying "Let's clear up some things", say "Let's clear up some things about the project timeline" to provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear up some things" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to introduce a discussion aimed at resolving misunderstandings or providing clarification. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clear up some things" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb used to indicate the need for clarification or resolution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable expression in various writing contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse applications. Remember to specify what "things" require clarification to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify a few points

Focuses more on making specific details understandable.

resolve some issues

Emphasizes solving problems rather than just clarifying information.

sort out certain matters

Implies a more comprehensive approach to organizing and resolving complex situations.

settle a few details

Suggests finalizing specific unresolved items.

iron out some wrinkles

Uses a metaphor to indicate smoothing out minor imperfections or problems.

get something straight

Implies a need to correct misunderstandings or ensure clarity on a particular topic.

set the record straight

Focuses on correcting inaccuracies or misrepresentations of past events or information.

explain some aspects

Highlights the act of providing explanations for specific elements or features.

shed light on some facets

Uses a metaphor to suggest revealing or clarifying particular aspects of a subject.

elucidate certain elements

Indicates a more formal or academic approach to making something clear and understandable.

FAQs

How can I use "clear up some things" in a sentence?

You can use "clear up some things" to introduce a clarification of certain topics. For instance: "We need to "clarify a few points" before proceeding."

What is a formal alternative to "clear up some things"?

A more formal alternative would be "resolve some issues" or "sort out certain matters", which suggest a more structured approach to resolving complexities.

What does it mean to "clear up some things"?

To "clear up some things" means to "clarify a few points" or misunderstandings, ensuring that the information is more transparent and easily understood.

Is it better to say "clear up things" or "clear up some things"?

"Clear up some things" is generally preferred as it sounds more natural. "Clear up things" is grammatically correct, but less common in everyday speech. You could also say "settle a few details" for a similar effect.