please clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

"please clarify" can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to explain something that is unclear or confusing. For example: "I don't understand what you're saying. Could you please clarify?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Brooks, please clarify!

The New York Times

Please clarify the current situation.

The New York Times

Can the minister please clarify his statement?

The Guardian

Please clarify the fairness of such requirements".

The Guardian

Please clarify". Id. at 217.

Cornell University

Please clarify?" App. to Pet. for Cert.

Cornell University

Could you please clarify the various formats for digital books?

The Guardian - Tech

Please clarify what is meant by that sentence.

University of California, Berkeley

Please clarify?" Id. at 91 (emphasis in original).

Cornell University

911: Please clarify the nature and location of the sexual assault.

The New Yorker

Can you please clarify the leading theories?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "please clarify" when you need a more detailed explanation of something already mentioned, rather than introducing a completely new topic.

Common error

Avoid using "please clarify" in casual conversations. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "what do you mean?" or "can you explain that again?" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please clarify" functions as an imperative request, prompting someone to provide a clearer or more detailed explanation. As Ludwig AI explains, it’s a polite way to seek additional information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please clarify" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to request additional explanation or detail. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, including science, news, and academia, making it a valuable tool for effective communication. While generally appropriate, remember to adjust your language based on the context; more casual alternatives may be better suited for informal conversations. Whether you're writing a research paper, a news article, or simply seeking clarification from a colleague, mastering the art of using "please clarify" will undoubtedly enhance your writing and communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Can you explain further?

Direct and simple, suitable for most contexts.

Could you elaborate?

More formal and polite, suitable for professional settings.

Please, explain in more detail.

Stresses on needing a detailed response from the speaker.

Can you be more specific?

Requests precise and unambiguous information.

Please provide more detail.

Emphasizes the need for specifics and comprehensive information.

I need further explanation.

Focuses on the speaker's need for clarification.

Could you give us more context?

Focuses on understanding the background or surrounding circumstances.

Could you break that down?

Requests a simplification of complex information.

What do you mean by that?

More informal, directly asking for the meaning behind a statement.

Can you spell that out?

Requests a very clear and explicit explanation.

FAQs

How to use "please clarify" in a sentence?

You can use "please clarify" to politely request further explanation or detail. For example, "The instructions are unclear; please clarify the first step."

What's a more formal alternative to "please clarify"?

In formal settings, you might prefer "could you elaborate?" or please provide more detail.

Is "please clarify" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "please clarify" is appropriate for academic writing when you're providing feedback or asking for further information from an author or researcher.

What can I say instead of "please clarify" in an informal context?

In a casual setting, alternatives like "what do you mean by that?" or "can you explain further?" are more appropriate.