make an effort to clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make an effort to clarify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to take the time to explain something more clearly or to provide additional information. Example: "In our next meeting, I hope you can make an effort to clarify your points so that everyone understands your perspective."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Please make an effort to clarify.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The CDC has also made an effort to clarify the lines of authority.Constitutionally, protection of public health is a matter for the states.

The Economist

We made an effort to clarify this point in our newly revised manuscript.

eLife

With regard to sensitive sexual activities, interviewers made an effort to clarify answers (e.g., the number of sexual partners) and only the confirmed number was used in the analysis.

AIDS and Behavior

That said, Microsoft haven't made any effort to clarify what constitutes "offensive language", and also noted that it "cannot monitor the entire Services".

Vice

The guidance from the Securities and Exchange Commission is an effort to clarify disclosure rules after the agency opened an inquiry into a post made last July on the personal Facebook page of Netflix's chief executive, Reed Hastings.

Huffington Post

The bill, the Drug Quality and Security Act, is an effort to clarify that regulatory confusion.

The New York Times

In an effort to clarify the matter, Clearwire is using the brand name "Clear" to apply to full WiMax service.

The New York Times - Tech

Efsa and IARC had agreed to meet early in 2016 "in an effort to clarify scientific divergences," Url added.

The Guardian

The memorandum was part of an effort to clarify how the executive order might affect the relationship, Mr. Wright said.

The New York Times

"This is the completion of an effort to clarify the collection," Michael Govan, the museum's director, said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "make an effort to clarify", ensure that the context clearly indicates what needs clarification. Provide specific details or examples to support the clarification effort.

Common error

Avoid using "make an effort to clarify" without specifying what aspect requires clarification. Vague statements can leave the audience confused about the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make an effort to clarify" functions as a directive or suggestion, urging someone to improve the clarity of their communication or explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It emphasizes the need for deliberate action to avoid ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make an effort to clarify" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that encourages clearer communication. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English and well-supported by examples across various domains, including science, news, and general writing. To use the phrase effectively, ensure that the context clearly identifies what needs clarification and provide specific details or examples to improve understanding. Although generally applicable, it finds prevalent use in professional environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make an attempt to clarify

Adds "attempt" for emphasis, rephrasing the level of effort.

strive to clarify

Replaces "make an effort" with "strive", suggesting a determined attempt to clarify.

aim to clarify

Replaces "make an effort" with "aim to", indicating a goal of clarification.

endeavor to explain

Substitutes "make an effort" with "endeavor", focusing on a serious attempt to explain something.

try to elucidate

Replaces "clarify" with "elucidate", indicating an attempt to make something clearer.

undertake to clarify

Substitutes "make an effort" with "undertake", suggesting a more formal or serious attempt to clarify.

attempt to illuminate

Uses "illuminate" instead of "clarify", emphasizing the act of making something easier to understand.

seek to explicate

Employs "seek to" instead of "make an effort", with "explicate" replacing "clarify", indicating a thorough explanation.

take steps to clarify

Uses a more active construction indicating specific actions are taken to clarify.

work towards clarification

Shifts focus to the process of clarification, using "work towards".

FAQs

How can I use "make an effort to clarify" in a sentence?

You can use "make an effort to clarify" when you want to express the need to explain something better or more clearly. For example, "The author should "make an effort to clarify" the methodology used in the research."

What are some alternatives to "make an effort to clarify"?

Alternatives include "strive to clarify", "endeavor to explain", or "try to elucidate". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "make an effort to clarify" or "attempt to clarify"?

"Make an effort to clarify" and "attempt to clarify" are similar, but "make an effort" emphasizes a more deliberate and sustained attempt. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. However, "attempt to clarify" might sound less demanding.

What's the difference between "make an effort to clarify" and "clarify"?

"Clarify" is a direct action, while "make an effort to clarify" emphasizes the attempt or intention to clarify. Using "make an effort" highlights the process and commitment to providing a clearer explanation.