need more clarity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'need more clarity' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking for more information in order to better understand the topic. For example, "Can you provide some additional information? I need more clarity on the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

To start we need more clarity on what we mean by "security".

The Guardian - Opinion

"It drives us wild when they say they need more clarity," an American official said.

The New York Times

To be more positive we need more clarity on volume ambitions beyond 2016 and returns to rise more quickly.

The Guardian - Business

"With just days left before the Spending Review, finance directors are telling us they're not confident in the current plans and need more clarity.

Independent

"We need more clarity on it, and when we get more clarity on it we can see what we can implement on that plan".

The New York Times

"With just days left before the spending review, finance directors are telling us they're not confident in the current plans and need more clarity.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Italy needs more clarity in this area if it is to avoid relying on miracles.

The Economist

"I think we can see this as an issue that needs more clarity," the academy's president, Dr. Jo Ivey Boufford, said.

The New York Times

It's a large-scale showcase – but it needs more clarity and confidence than English National Ballet show us.

Independent

Tesco doesn't necessarily need to have the lowest prices to recover – instead its pricing needs more clarity, predictability and transparency.

The Guardian - Business

Facebook has said it needs more clarity on whether a Do Not Track signal applies, for instance, to social plug-ins like the Facebook "like" button, which is integrated into millions of Web sites.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase. In formal settings, alternatives like "require further clarification" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "need more clarity" repeatedly within a short span. Instead, rephrase your requests or consolidate them into a single, comprehensive question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need more clarity" functions as a request or expression of a requirement for better understanding or additional information. It directly communicates that the current level of understanding is insufficient. Ludwig AI confirms this with various examples demonstrating its practical usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "need more clarity" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a desire for further explanation or improved understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about what requires clarification to avoid ambiguity and maximize its effectiveness. While alternatives such as "require further clarification" or "desire greater lucidity" exist, "need more clarity" maintains a balanced tone suitable for both professional and informal communications. The phrase's frequent use and clear communicative purpose make it a valuable addition to any writer's repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

require further clarification

Replaces "need" with "require" and "clarity" with "clarification", emphasizing the necessity for explanation.

desire greater lucidity

Uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "clarity" with "lucidity" for a heightened sense of understanding.

seek enhanced understanding

Focuses on the active pursuit of understanding, using "enhanced" to describe the desired level.

want a clearer picture

Employs a more figurative expression, suggesting the need for a more comprehensive view.

require more comprehensive details

Emphasizes the need for thoroughness in the information provided.

lack sufficient understanding

Highlights the current state of deficient comprehension.

call for further explanation

Puts emphasis on the request for elucidation.

demand better definition

Expresses a stronger need for precise delineation.

hope for increased transparency

Shifts focus to the quality of openness and accessibility of information.

expect additional illumination

Implies a need for intellectual enlightenment on the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "need more clarity" in a sentence?

You can use "need more clarity" to express a desire for better understanding. For example, "I appreciate the explanation, but I still "need more clarity" on the budget allocation."

What can I say instead of "need more clarity"?

You can use alternatives like "require further clarification", "desire greater lucidity", or "seek enhanced understanding" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "need more clarity" or "needs more clarity"?

"Need more clarity" is correct when referring to a collective or general sense of needing clarification. "Needs more clarity" is correct when referring to a specific subject that requires clarification. For instance, "This report "needs more clarity"."

What's the difference between "need more clarity" and "require further details"?

"Need more clarity" indicates a lack of understanding or a desire for a clearer explanation. "Require further details" suggests a need for more specific information to complete a task or make a decision.