just to clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

"just to clarify" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to bring more clarity to a statement, often after some portion of the statement has been questioned or misunderstood. For example: "I would like to apologize for my poor behavior - just to clarify, I did not intend to hurt anyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just to clarify things.

The Guardian - Books

(Not my shorts, just to clarify).

The New York Times

"Just to clarify a few things....again!

Independent

And just to clarify one point.

The Guardian - Business

"Q Scott, just to clarify that.

The Washington Post

"Just to clarify, Dominic," he said.

The Guardian

Just to clarify, the Malmquist bias is not cosmological.

Harvard University

"Just to clarify.... It's not a 'sore throat'," Bertrand tweeted.

The Guardian - Sport

Just to clarify – this is a solo violin.

The Guardian - Music

Q. Sarah, just to clarify: That idea is dead?

The Washington Post

Just to clarify, it's a bowl, not a hat.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just to clarify" to preempt potential misunderstandings or to reinforce a key point after presenting complex information.

Common error

Avoid starting every other sentence with "just to clarify". Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and condescending. Instead, vary your clarifying phrases or integrate clarifications more smoothly into your sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just to clarify" functions as a discourse marker, specifically a clarifier. As supported by Ludwig AI, it signals the intent to provide further explanation, correct a misunderstanding, or emphasize a key point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Just to clarify" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to prevent misunderstandings and add emphasis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a versatile discourse marker applicable in diverse contexts. While its usage is generally neutral, it is most prevalent in news and media, academic, and formal business settings. To avoid redundancy, remember to use the phrase sparingly. Consider alternatives like "to be clear" or "in other words" for stylistic variation. The phrase's high frequency across authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its validity in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be clear

This alternative offers a more direct and concise way to express the need for clarification.

in other words

This signals a restatement of something already said, aiming for greater understanding.

for the sake of clarity

This alternative emphasizes the importance of clarity as the reason for the following statement, adding a touch of formality.

to rephrase

More direct and less verbose.

let me elaborate

This suggests a more detailed explanation is forthcoming, implying the initial statement was insufficient.

allow me to rephrase

This option is more polite and indirect.

by way of clarification

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the act of clarifying.

to put it another way

This indicates a rephrasing of a previous statement, often to simplify or provide a different perspective.

for avoidance of doubt

More formal and legalistic.

so there is no misunderstanding

This phrase is to reduce the chance of doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "just to clarify" to introduce a restatement or further explanation of a previous point. For example, "I appreciate your feedback – "just to clarify", I'm not opposed to the idea, but I need more information."

What can I say instead of "just to clarify"?

You can use alternatives like "to be clear", "in other words", or "for the sake of clarity" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to use "just to clarify" before providing additional details?

No, it's not always necessary. Consider whether the additional details genuinely prevent misunderstanding or simply provide extra information. If the latter, a simple transition may suffice. Overusing ""just to clarify"" can disrupt the flow of your writing.

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

While both phrases aim to provide additional explanation, ""just to clarify"" suggests addressing a potential misunderstanding. "Just to be clear" can also be used to emphasize a point, even if no misunderstanding has occurred.