make myself clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make myself clear" is correct and frequently used in written English.
It is typically used when wanting to emphasize that one's words or intentions are understood and not open to misinterpretation. Example: "I want to make myself clear, I will not tolerate any sort of disrespectful behavior in my classroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Do I Make Myself Clear?, by Harold Evans (Little, Brown).

The New Yorker

The prose throughout "Do I Make Myself Clear?" evokes the battlefield as well.

The New Yorker

"Just today alone, I've read three or four instances of the word 'advocate' being used incorrectly!" Evans, at eighty-eight, has published "Do I Make Myself Clear?: Why Writing Well Matters" — a polemic and style guide about our ever-growing need for concise, understandable prose.

The New Yorker

"Do I Make Myself Clear?" focusses on the usual suspects tackled by Strunk & White in "Elements of Style," or — more important to Evans — George Orwell: avoid the passive voice; eliminate redundancies; watch your pronouns; don't succumb to monologophobia (i.e., it's usually fine to repeat a word).

The New Yorker

Do I make myself clear?

The Guardian

"Do I make myself clear?" "Yes, sir," I answered firmly and clearly.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

However, perhaps I should make myself clearer on what I did mean.

Huffington Post

Have I made myself clear?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I hope I am making myself clear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I guess I'm not making myself clear," he said.

The New Yorker

CARMICHAEL ... Maybe I haven't made myself clear.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make myself clear" when you want to emphasize that your message should not be misinterpreted. This phrase is suitable for situations where precision and directness are important.

Common error

Avoid using "make myself clear" excessively, as it can come across as condescending or aggressive. Instead, vary your language to ensure understanding without sounding authoritarian.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make myself clear" serves as an illocutionary act aimed at ensuring the listener comprehends the speaker's message without ambiguity. It emphasizes the speaker's desire for clarity and understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

8.33%

Less common in

Science

8.33%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make myself clear" is a common expression used to ensure that a message is fully understood and leaves no room for misinterpretation. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While effective for emphasizing clarity, it's important to be mindful of the tone, as overuse can come across as demanding. Alternatives such as "am I being understood" or "is that clear" can provide a softer approach while still achieving the same goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

am I being understood

Focuses on whether the listener is comprehending the message.

is that clear

More direct and can sometimes imply authority.

to clarify my point

Emphasizes clarifying a specific argument or idea.

do you understand

A simple inquiry about comprehension.

in other words

Signals a restatement using different wording.

let me rephrase that

Indicates a need to restate something for better understanding.

to put it differently

Introduces an alternative expression of the same thought.

permit me to elaborate

Suggests providing more details for a fuller understanding.

so you are on the same page

A casual way to ensure shared understanding and agreement.

are we on the same page

Checks for mutual understanding and agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "make myself clear" in a sentence?

You can use "make myself clear" to emphasize the importance of understanding your message. For example, "Before we proceed, let me "make myself clear": this project requires 100% commitment".

What are some alternatives to "make myself clear"?

You can use alternatives like "am I being understood", "is that clear", or "do you understand" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "make myself clear"?

It's appropriate to use "make myself clear" when you need to ensure that there is no misunderstanding, especially in situations where clarity is crucial, such as giving instructions or setting expectations.

What is the tone of "make myself clear"?

The tone of "make myself clear" can be perceived as direct and assertive. It's important to use it judiciously, as it can sometimes be interpreted as demanding or even slightly aggressive.