may we clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

'may we clarify' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used in situations when the speaker/writer wants to check if the other person understands what has been said or a situation in general. Example: You mentioned that you're having trouble with the report. May we clarify what aspects of the report are giving you the most trouble?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

May we clarify?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Differential responses do occur, however, from which we may further clarify the relative importance of certain pathways.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

For instance, we may need to clarify that preferably "hard and fixed, > 1 cm adenopathies" and not just "adenopathies" will be evaluated, or "unintentional weight loss, after reasonably excluding a depressive disorder".

BMC Family Practice

Some examples may help clarify these ideas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This close kinship may help clarify how plants evolved.

Science Magazine

Citizens United may help clarify both in a positive direction.

Huffington Post

An example may help clarify this.

Environmental Management

An analogy may help clarify this point.

Biology Direct

The following comments may further clarify.

eLife

Additional analyses described above may also clarify this interpretational discrepancy.

eLife

Genotyping of isolates may further clarify this issue.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may we clarify" when you want to politely offer additional information or rephrase something to ensure understanding. It's particularly useful in formal settings or when addressing someone of higher authority.

Common error

Avoid using "may we clarify" in informal conversations where a simpler phrase like "can I explain?" or "should I clarify?" would be more appropriate. Overly formal language can sound stiff or unnatural in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may we clarify" functions as a polite interrogative used to offer further explanation or rephrase a statement. Ludwig provides an example from The New York Times which illustrates how it is typically used in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may we clarify" is a polite and formal phrase used to offer further explanation or rephrase a statement to ensure understanding. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that it's grammatically correct but rare, predominantly appearing in News & Media and Science contexts. It's most effective in formal settings where clarity and politeness are valued. Remember to consider the context and audience to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Could we elaborate?

This offers a slightly more formal tone while still seeking to provide more detail.

Shall we explain further?

This is a more formal and direct way to offer additional information.

Can we provide more context?

Focuses on adding background information for better understanding.

Would you like us to explain?

Asks the audience if they need the explanation.

Do you need us to clarify?

Directly asks if clarification is needed.

Let us rephrase that.

Offers to say something again in a different way.

May we offer an explanation?

Presents the opportunity to receive the information.

Allow us to clarify.

A more commanding way to express the willingness to further explain.

Permit us to elaborate.

A formal way to offer additional explanation.

Want us to spell it out?

A more informal and potentially impatient way to suggest clarification.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "may we clarify"?

The phrase "may we clarify" is best suited for formal situations where politeness and clarity are important, such as in professional communications, presentations, or when interacting with superiors. It's a way of offering additional explanation or rephrasing something to ensure understanding.

What are some alternative ways to ask for clarification?

Instead of "may we clarify", you could use phrases like "can we elaborate", "would you like us to explain", or "do you need us to clarify", depending on the level of formality required.

Is "may we clarify" interchangeable with "can we clarify"?

While both phrases offer to provide further explanation, "may we clarify" is generally considered more formal and polite than "can we clarify". The choice between them depends on the context and the relationship between the speakers.

How can I use "may we clarify" effectively in writing?

In writing, "may we clarify" can be used to introduce additional details or rephrase a previous statement for better understanding. For example, "The report outlines several key findings; may we clarify the implications of each finding in the following section?"