please make it clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please make it clear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting clarification or a more straightforward explanation of something. Example: "If you could please make it clear what the deadline is, I would appreciate it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

If you're spilling plot points, do please make it clear if you're doing so - whether you're discussing the first or second series.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

However, on Monday he said: "Can I please make it clear Ukip is committed to an NHS that is free at the point of access and paid for out of taxation, full stop".

The Guardian

Please make it clear that what we have accomplished in Iraq is this: we have converted a previously secular nation albeit, under an iron thumb into a nation of jihadists.

The New York Times

"Please make it clear to the football clubs and authorities that you believe the very reputation of the game which provides enormous employment and enormous prestige to the UK, is at risk when some of its leaders appear to put profit and success before ensuring that there is zero tolerance of sexual violence," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

I have two comments: Please make it clear that the sensitivity to detect cerebral ischemia by EEG is not perfect and that the BIS monitor has not been developed for this purpose.

F1000Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Please make it clean.

The New Yorker

But we're busy people – please make it a little clearer, if you're only on there to find a threesome, that you're only on there to find a threesome.

Vice

"But the ballboys point I just say because I feel it is a disgrace for the Premier League, but please make it very clear that I don't want the ballboys story to be in front of a result that Leicester deserve".

The Guardian - Sport

Please, make it stop.

The New York Times

"Please make it work".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Just please make it end.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please make it clear", ensure the context implies a genuine need for clarification, avoiding its use in situations where the information is already readily understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "please make it clear" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your requests for clarification with alternatives like "please clarify" or "please explain" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please make it clear" functions primarily as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to provide a more understandable explanation. Ludwig shows it's used in requests for clarification, aiming to resolve ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please make it clear" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-toned imperative phrase used to request clarification or a more explicit explanation. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it is most frequently found in news, media and science-related contexts. While not exceptionally common, its usage is consistent and effective. Alternative phrases like "please clarify" or "please explain" can provide variety in your writing. Remember that while the phrase is valid, using alternatives and ensuring context are key to its effective application. Avoid overuse to maintain clarity and engagement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

please give a clearer explanation

This is a direct request for an explanation that is easier to understand, focusing on the quality of the explanation itself.

please clarify

This alternative is more concise and directly requests clarification without explicitly stating the need for clarity.

please be more explicit

Similar in meaning, this alternative directly asks for explicitness, highlighting a need for directness and clarity.

please elucidate

Using "elucidate" is a more formal way of asking for something to be made clearer, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

please specify

This asks for specific details, implying a current lack of precision that needs to be addressed.

please explain

This is a general request for an explanation, similar in purpose but less focused on the resulting clarity.

please provide more details

This alternative focuses on obtaining additional information to enhance understanding and clarity.

could you be more specific

This alternative directly asks for more details, implying a lack of clarity in the original statement.

can you elaborate on that

This requests further development of a point, with the goal of achieving clarity through added detail.

please spell it out

This is a more informal way of asking for a very clear and straightforward explanation, often when something is complex or confusing.

FAQs

What is the best way to use "please make it clear" in a sentence?

Use "please make it clear" when you need someone to provide a more understandable or explicit explanation. For example, "Could you please make it clear what the exact requirements are for this project?"

Are there more formal alternatives to "please make it clear"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "please elucidate" or "please be more explicit". These options are suitable for professional or academic settings.

How does "please make it clear" differ from "please explain"?

"Please explain" is a general request for an explanation, whereas "please make it clear" specifically asks for an explanation that removes any ambiguity or confusion. The latter emphasizes the need for clarity.

Is it acceptable to use "please make it clear" in casual conversation?

While generally acceptable, "please make it clear" might sound slightly formal in very casual settings. In such situations, simpler alternatives like "can you explain that again?" or "could you be more specific" may be more appropriate.