only a clarification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only a clarification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that what you are about to say is simply an explanation or a minor adjustment to previous information. Example: "I just wanted to provide only a clarification regarding the deadline; it has been moved to next Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But later, she told The Boston Herald that was not meant as an apology, only as a clarification.

The New York Times

For each question, the "other" responses were counted only if the information was not simply a clarification of answers.

Archives of Sexual Behavior

Tony Abbott has sought to play down the backlash over Australia's decision to refer to East Jerusalem as "disputed" rather than "occupied" territory, saying the government had made only a "terminological clarification".

The Guardian

Hipp contends that this provides "no final resolution … to the question [Owen] poses to himself," only a slight clarification of his poetic mission.

Huffington Post

The Bonn and Durban meetings are widely expected to produce only a few clarifications of countries' emissions targets – already deemed inadequate by campaigners – and some detailed wording of the rules on issues such as forestry and carbon trading.

The Guardian

He even claims that the same acts of consciousness pertain to both psychic and spiritual being and that only an exact clarification of the phenomenon of acts may solve the aporia.

SEP

The other 14 teachers said that they would make such a clarification only if the need arises in the classroom and that it was not part of their routine teaching practice.

International Journal for Educational Integrity

I have only a few minor clarifications that would help (for me at least) readability.

eLife

Truman was forced to issue a clarification that "only the President can authorize the use of the atom bomb, and no such authorization has been given".

Wikipedia

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

The Guardian

People like to know you're listening, and something as simple as a clarification question shows not only that you are listening but that you also care about what they're saying.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only a clarification" to signal that you are providing a minor correction or additional detail, preventing potential misunderstandings without overemphasizing the change.

Common error

Avoid using "only a clarification" when the information you are providing significantly alters the original statement or introduces entirely new information. Reserve it for minor adjustments to maintain clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only a clarification" functions as an adverbial modifier, limiting the scope of what is being presented. It indicates that the following information is a minor addition or correction, designed to refine understanding rather than introduce new elements. Though there are no direct examples to be analyzed, Ludwig AI acknowledges the phrase's correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only a clarification" serves as a tool for refining understanding by providing minor corrections or additional details. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a correct and usable phrase. Its register is neutral, making it suitable for various contexts. While there are currently no direct examples in the analyzed data, understanding its function and purpose is key to using it effectively in writing and speech. Remember to use it when you truly intend to offer a minor adjustment, and not when introducing significant new information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely a clarification

Replaces "only" with "merely", emphasizing the insignificance of the clarification.

just a clarification

Substitutes "only" with "just", conveying simplicity and directness.

simply a clarification

Replaces "only" with "simply", highlighting the straightforward nature of the explanation.

solely a clarification

Uses "solely" to emphasize that it is nothing more than a clarification.

purely a clarification

Highlights that the statement is exclusively a clarification and nothing else.

just an explanatory note

Replaces "clarification" with "explanatory note", offering a slightly more descriptive term.

simply an explanation

Replaces "clarification" with "explanation", providing a more general term.

a minor adjustment

Focuses on the action of making a small change, rather than the explanation itself.

a slight correction

Emphasizes that the change being made is small and inconsequential.

a brief explanation

Highlights the brevity of the explanation being given.

FAQs

What does "only a clarification" mean?

The phrase "only a clarification" indicates that what follows is intended as a minor explanation or correction, not a substantial change or new information. It's used to fine-tune understanding without altering the core message.

When is it appropriate to use "only a clarification"?

Use "only a clarification" when you want to emphasize that you're providing a minor adjustment or additional detail to something previously stated, preventing potential misunderstandings without overstating the importance of the change. It's useful when you want to avoid misinterpretations.

What are some alternatives to "only a clarification"?

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

How does "only a clarification" differ from a major revision?

"Only a clarification" implies a minor tweak or additional detail that doesn't fundamentally change the original message. A major revision, on the other hand, involves significant changes that can alter the meaning or intent of the original statement.