just clarifying

USAGE SUMMARY

"just clarifying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to explain that you are providing additional information in order to make something clearer. For example, "I'm just clarifying my statement for anyone who might have misunderstood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Just clarifying for our non-US/NY readers.

The Guardian

"Whatever clarification is needed, I don't think is that big a deal that we need to go on and on just clarifying any moot points".

The New York Times - Sports

Azarov said: "The main so-called agreements were not during my visit to St Petersburg, where we were just clarifying the details, but, of course, at the meeting of presidents.

The Guardian

I repeat what I know of the situation – sometimes just clarifying what are facts and what are assumptions is enough.

Forbes

"I was just clarifying some of the key issues in that market," using knowledge she gained on trading desks in New York and London.

University of Chicago

Just clarifying how the experiments were done (showing that the measurements were taken during linear phase of uptake) is sufficient.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Let me just clarify," she says.

The New York Times

So, let me just clarify that.

Yale University

Or maybe baseball could just clarify the rules.

The New York Times

Let me just clarify your decision in Maloney.

The Washington Post

Why don't you just clarify that situation with your boss (gently) rather than presuming you are overqualified for the role.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just clarifying" to preemptively address potential misunderstandings or to provide additional context to a statement. It's a polite way to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "just clarifying". While useful, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and hesitant. Vary your introductory phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just clarifying" functions as a discourse marker. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct. It's used to introduce a statement that provides additional information, corrections, or explanations to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings. Examples in Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, ranging from news articles to academic discussions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just clarifying" is a grammatically correct and generally neutral phrase used to introduce statements that provide additional information or ensure understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable in written English. Its use is common across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science, reflecting its versatility and widespread acceptance. While it's a useful phrase, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain the clarity and engagement of your writing. Alternatives such as "to be clear" or "for clarification" can provide stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for clarification

Focuses on the purpose of making something clearer, omitting the speaker's intention.

to be clear

Directly states the intent to ensure understanding, lacking the introductory aspect.

let me explain further

Suggests a more detailed explanation will follow, implying additional context.

in other words

Indicates a restatement of something already said, aiming for simplicity.

to put it another way

Signals a rephrasing for better comprehension, differing in wording.

by way of explanation

Introduces an explanation, often in response to a question or confusion.

I want to elaborate

Emphasizes the speaker's desire to provide more details.

to expand on that

Suggests adding more information to a previous statement.

for the sake of clarity

Highlights the importance of avoiding ambiguity, more formal.

allowing for better understanding

Points out the benefit of an explanation and the intention is on the audience side.

FAQs

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

"Just clarifying" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce additional information or restate a previous point. For example, "Just clarifying, the deadline is next Friday."

What phrases are similar to "just clarifying"?

Alternatives include "to be clear", "for clarification", or "in other words", depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "just clarifying" formal or informal?

"Just clarifying" is generally considered neutral and suitable for most contexts. However, in highly formal settings, more precise language might be preferred. It can be used in professional emails, casual conversations, and news articles.

What's the difference between "just clarifying" and "just to clarify"?

Both phrases serve the same purpose, but "just to clarify" might be slightly more emphatic. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation, with both being grammatically correct and widely accepted.