merely a clarification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merely a clarification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that something is just an explanation or a simple restatement of information. Example: "I want to make it clear that my previous statement was merely a clarification of our policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The archdiocese says the change was merely a clarification.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But a clarification should be made about New York City's law.

The New York Times

Nothing contentious, mind, just a clarification.

Huffington Post

Fiat insisted its dealings merely amounted to a clarification of pricing rules and did not constitute state aid, but it was ordered to repay £25.5m.

The Guardian

But scrutinizing the structure of developmental biology's questions is not merely an exercise in clarification.

SEP

But hours later, after some colleagues panicked, came a "clarification": Labour now merely rejected the Cameron pre-commitment to rolling the dice at this particular time.

The Guardian - Opinion

But she's aware a clarification is necessary.

The Guardian

He added: But I need to offer a clarification.

The New Yorker

But I need to offer a clarification.

Huffington Post

I got only her voicemail, and never got a clarification.

The Guardian

The company insists that it is not and that the name change is merely for "clarification".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merely a clarification" when you want to downplay the significance of a statement or correction. It suggests the change is minor and doesn't alter the core meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "merely a clarification" when the clarification actually involves significant changes or corrections. It can be misleading and undermine the importance of the updated information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merely a clarification" functions as a qualifier, limiting the impact or significance of a subsequent statement. It indicates that something is simply an explanation or restatement, rather than a substantial alteration or correction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "merely a clarification" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, particularly in news and media and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI underscores, the phrase is appropriate when you want to minimize the significance of an update or correction, suggesting it's just a simple explanation or restatement. When employing this phrase, make sure that the clarification doesn't bring significant changes to the original information to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives such as "simply a clarification" or "just a clarification" can provide similar nuances. The phrase's utility lies in its ability to downplay the perceived impact of revised information, ensuring that audience comprehension isn't overshadowed by concerns about significant inaccuracies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply a clarification

Replaces "merely" with "simply", conveying the same idea of an uncomplicated clarification.

just a clarification

Substitutes "merely" with "just", indicating that it is only a clarification and nothing more.

only a clarification

Uses "only" instead of "merely" to emphasize that it's nothing beyond a clarification.

purely a clarification

Emphasizes that the statement is solely a clarification, with no other purpose.

essentially a clarification

Highlights that, at its core, the statement is a clarification.

basically a clarification

Suggests that the statement is, in its most fundamental form, a clarification.

primarily a clarification

Indicates that the main intention or role of the statement is to clarify.

largely a clarification

Implies that the statement is mostly a clarification, though it may have minor additional aspects.

a minor clarification

Highlights that the clarification is not substantial or significant.

a slight clarification

Indicates the clarification makes only a small or subtle adjustment.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "merely a clarification"?

Use "merely a clarification" when you want to emphasize that a statement is just an explanation or a simple restatement of information, without significant alterations to the original meaning. It's suitable when the update is minor and doesn't fundamentally change the subject.

What are some alternatives to saying "merely a clarification"?

You can use alternatives like "simply a clarification", "just a clarification", or "only a clarification" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "merely a clarification" differ from "a significant correction"?

"Merely a clarification" suggests a minor adjustment or restatement, while "a significant correction" implies a more substantial change that rectifies a notable error or inaccuracy. The former downplays the change, whereas the latter emphasizes its importance.

Is "merely a clarification" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "merely a clarification" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news reporting or academic contexts where it's important to accurately convey the extent of a correction or explanation. It provides a clear and concise way to indicate that the update is not a major revision.