help to clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "help to clarify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something will assist in making a concept or situation clearer. Example: "The additional information provided will help to clarify the project's objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Longitudinal and twin studies will help to clarify this issue".

The Guardian

Did Platt's music help to clarify the poems, I wondered?

The New Yorker

Mr. Toyoda's presence would help to clarify the situation.

The New York Times

Collectively, however, they help to clarify the direction the design should take.

The New York Times

One fact may help to clarify the need for new guidelines.

The New York Times - Health

Thermal modelling can also help to clarify where heat recovery opportunities may lie.

The Guardian

Future study may help to clarify these issues.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Prospective studies will probably help to clarify these important points.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Some examples may help to clarify this point.

SEP

Further studies may help to clarify the picture.

SEP

New results are given which help to clarify the existing relation between these two classes.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "help to clarify", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being clarified and how the subject assists in that process. For example, "This diagram helps to clarify the complex interactions between the proteins."

Common error

Avoid using "help to clarify" without specifying what needs clarification. For instance, instead of saying "This will help to clarify", specify "This will help to clarify the project's objectives".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "help to clarify" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It indicates the reason or intention behind an action, specifically to make something more understandable. Ludwig AI validates its wide usage in both academic and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "help to clarify" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions to indicate the purpose of making something more understandable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It appears most often in scientific and news-related contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. For alternative phrasing, consider "assist in clarifying" or "aid in clarifying". When using the phrase, be sure to specify what exactly you are clarifying to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make clear

A simpler, more direct way of saying "help to clarify".

assist in clarifying

Replaces "help" with "assist", implying a more formal or supportive role in the clarification process.

aid in clarifying

Similar to "assist in clarifying", but suggests a more direct and potentially simpler form of help.

provide clarification

Focuses on the act of providing information that clarifies, rather than directly helping to clarify.

contribute to clarification

Emphasizes the contribution to a clearer understanding rather than the act of helping.

shed light on

An idiomatic expression that means to reveal or clarify something, often something previously obscure.

elucidate

A more formal verb that means to make something clear; to explain.

illuminate

Similar to "shed light on", but can also mean to decorate with light, adding a visual metaphor.

assist in understanding

Broader than clarifying, focusing on overall comprehension.

facilitate understanding

Focuses on making understanding easier, rather than directly clarifying a specific point.

FAQs

How can I use "help to clarify" in a sentence?

Use "help to clarify" to indicate that something aids in making a concept or situation clearer. For example: "The additional data will help to clarify the research findings".

What are some alternatives to "help to clarify"?

You can use alternatives like "assist in clarifying", "aid in clarifying", or "shed light on" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "help clarify" or "help to clarify"?

Both "help clarify" and "help to clarify" are grammatically acceptable, although "help to clarify" might be perceived as slightly more formal. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "help to clarify" and "provide clarification"?

"Help to clarify" suggests assistance in the process of making something clear, while "provide clarification" focuses on offering information or explanation that brings clarity.