offer a clarification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "offer a clarification" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide additional information or explanation to make something clearer. Example: "During the meeting, I would like to offer a clarification regarding the project's timeline to ensure everyone is on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I'm compelled, however, to offer a clarification.

The New York Times

He added: But I need to offer a clarification.

The New Yorker

After being quoted in your article, I want to offer a clarification and an apology.

The New York Times

In addition to calling the reporter and asking for a correction, aides began tracking down reporters who had reposted the original item — which by then had developed into a blog post on Politico's Web site — asking that they, too, offer a clarification.

The New York Times

"[China] demands that the US offer a clarification and explanation," she said.

BBC

But I need to offer a clarification.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

She offers a clarification, just in case: "When you're lost and I'm scared and you're turning away".

The New Yorker

Ljubicic retweeted all of the Americans' responses (even using a quoted version to replicate the one Fish had deleted), and then offered a clarification.

The New York Times

This week, he offered a clarification.

Los Angeles Times

Whatever the case, it is very rare that the Vatican offers a clarification of any kind.

Huffington Post

His campaign offered a clarification Tuesday about that position, pointing to a campaign disclosure statement from Romney that said Dreamers deserve legal status, but not a path to citizenship. .

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "offer a clarification", ensure that the clarification directly addresses a point of confusion or ambiguity. Be specific and avoid vague or general statements.

Common error

Avoid using "offer a clarification" when the information is already clear. Over-clarifying can make your writing seem condescending or imply that your audience is less informed than they are.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offer a clarification" functions as a speech act introducing a statement that aims to resolve ambiguity or provide further understanding. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is deemed correct and suitable for written English. The examples provided by Ludwig show its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "offer a clarification" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for introducing additional information intended to resolve ambiguity or improve understanding. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. When using this phrase, ensure that the clarification directly addresses a specific point of confusion and avoid over-clarifying obvious information. Consider using alternative phrases such as "provide an explanation" or "issue a clarification" depending on the context and level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify further

Implies expanding on a previous clarification.

provide an explanation

Focuses on the act of explaining, emphasizing the delivery of information.

give an explanation

Similar to 'provide an explanation', but with a slightly more informal tone.

present a clarification

Emphasizes the act of formally presenting the clarification.

issue a clarification

Suggests a more official or formal announcement of the clarification.

offer an explanation

Similar to “offer a clarification” but broader, as it covers more than just clarifying something.

supply details

Focuses on providing more granular information.

furnish details

Stresses the act of supplying specific details.

shed light on

Implies making something clearer by revealing new information.

elucidate the matter

More formal and emphasizes making something complex easier to understand.

FAQs

How can I use "offer a clarification" in a sentence?

You can use "offer a clarification" when you want to provide additional information or explanation to make something clearer. For example: "During the meeting, I would like to offer a clarification regarding the project's timeline to ensure everyone is on the same page."

What's the difference between "offer a clarification" and "provide an explanation"?

"Offer a clarification" is more specific, implying you're correcting or refining something already stated. "Provide an explanation" is broader, covering any explanatory information, not necessarily corrective.

What can I say instead of "offer a clarification"?

You can use alternatives like "provide an explanation", "issue a clarification", or "clarify further" depending on the context.

Is "offer a clarification" formal or informal?

"Offer a clarification" is suitable for both professional and neutral contexts. However, consider the setting; more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "elucidate the matter".