make it clearer

USAGE SUMMARY

"make it clearer" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that something should be more understandable or obvious. For example, "Can you please make it clearer how to use this product?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This chart will make it clearer.

The New Yorker

Looking at an example will make it clearer.

The New York Times - Sports

Let's even put a tilde on it to make it clearer that it's a random term.

Yale University

What will make it clearer and more beneficial for students next time around?

University of California, Berkeley

(Matthew Weiner said executives asked him to rewrite a line from Shakespeare to make it clearer).

The New York Times - Arts

But events like Facebook's listing make it clearer by the day.

The New Yorker

No other band has ever done anything like this, and the imitators only make it clearer.

The New Yorker

"It's not going to happen, and I couldn't make it clearer," he told the BBC audience.

Independent

I asked Simon to make it clearer for me what the clinical definition was.

The Guardian - Film

She gets out her notebook, perhaps that will make it clearer.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We also renamed the metric to make it clearer what we measure.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make it clearer", ensure that you are specific about what needs clarification. Instead of a general statement, identify the particular aspect that requires further explanation or simplification.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "make it clearer" without actually clarifying the subject matter. This can frustrate your audience and undermine your message. Always follow up with concrete details and examples.

Linguistic Context

"Make it clearer" primarily functions as a request or suggestion for improved understanding. According to Ludwig AI, it aims to enhance comprehension by providing additional details or simplifying existing information. This aligns with the examples provided, where the phrase is used in diverse contexts to seek or offer clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

21%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make it clearer" is a versatile phrase used to request or offer enhanced clarity and understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prominence in news, media, science, and academia. To use the phrase effectively, be specific about what requires clarification and avoid overuse without providing concrete details. When a more formal tone is needed, consider alternatives such as "clarify" or "elucidate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify

A single-word verb that is more concise and direct.

make plain

Emphasizes simplicity and directness in conveying information.

elucidate

A more formal term that suggests detailed explanation to remove confusion.

simplify

Focuses on making something less complex for easier understanding.

spell out

Idiomatic and implies explaining something in a very simple, direct way.

illuminate

Suggests to enlighten with information or knowledge.

shed light on

Idiomatic, suggesting the revealing of new or hidden information to improve understanding.

offer further explanation

Suggests adding more details to an existing explanation.

explain in detail

Highlights the thoroughness of the explanation.

provide context

Emphasizes giving background information to aid comprehension.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "make it clearer" in a formal context?

In formal writing, you could use phrases like "elucidate", "clarify", or "offer further explanation" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "make it clearer" and "make it obvious"?

"Make it clearer" implies improving understanding through explanation, while "make it obvious" suggests presenting information in a way that requires minimal interpretation. The choice depends on whether the issue is complex or simply needs highlighting.

When is it appropriate to use "make it clearer" in writing?

Use "make it clearer" when you recognize that your audience may not fully understand a concept or instruction. It's suitable for revisions, explanations, and instructions across various writing styles.

Can "make it clearer" be used in spoken English?

Yes, "make it clearer" is perfectly acceptable in spoken English. It is a common and easily understood phrase for requesting clarification or further explanation.