for clarification

USAGE SUMMARY

"for clarification" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to make something clearer. For example: He said he was too busy to help, but for clarification, he clarified that he was actually too tired.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She asked for clarification.

The New Yorker

That confused Letterman, who asked for clarification.

The New York Times - Sports

I called the association for clarification.

The New York Times

I'd be grateful for clarification.

Columbia University

The Palestinians have asked for clarification.

The New York Times

For clarification, an example is also presented.

Structural Safety

So he smiled, hoping for clarification.

The New Yorker

Her campaign should be pressed for clarification.

The Washington Post

The duplication of names calls for clarification.

The New York Times

Don't hesitate to ask for clarification.

Cornell University

(Snoop Dogg did not respond to a request for clarification).

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for clarification", ensure that the clarification directly follows the statement needing clarification. This maintains clarity and avoids confusion for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "for clarification" without a clear reference to what needs clarification. The audience should immediately understand which previous statement is being elaborated upon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for clarification" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces an explanation or restatement aimed at reducing ambiguity. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and frequently used phrase. It often serves as a discourse marker, signaling to the reader or listener that the speaker intends to provide additional information to enhance understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for clarification" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to introduce explanatory information, according to Ludwig AI. Its purpose is to enhance understanding and prevent ambiguity across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While suitable for both neutral and professional registers, it's essential to ensure the clarification directly relates to the preceding statement. Given its frequency and clear function, mastering its usage is vital for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to make it clearer

A simpler and more direct way of saying "for clarification".

in order to clarify

More formal and explicitly states the purpose of clarification.

for the sake of clarity

Emphasizes the importance of being clear and understandable.

to provide context

Focuses on adding background information rather than just clarifying existing points.

by way of explanation

Introduces an explanation or additional details.

to elucidate

A more sophisticated term for making something clear and understandable.

to avoid confusion

Highlights the goal of preventing misunderstanding.

in simpler terms

Indicates that something will be explained in an easier to understand manner.

to be more specific

Suggests that more precise details will be provided.

let me elaborate

Indicates that the speaker will provide more details or expand on a point.

FAQs

How can I use "for clarification" in a sentence?

You can use "for clarification" to introduce an explanation or additional detail that makes something easier to understand. For example, "The results were inconclusive; "for clarification", we need more data".

What can I say instead of "for clarification"?

You can use alternatives like "to make it clearer", "in order to clarify", or "to elucidate" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "for further clarification"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "for further clarification" can be redundant if the initial statement has not been clarified at all. Using simply ""for clarification"" is often sufficient.

What's the difference between "for clarification" and "for example"?

"For clarification" introduces an explanation to make something clearer, while "for example" introduces a specific instance to illustrate a general point. They serve different purposes in writing.