provide clarification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide clarification" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to explain concepts or ideas that are not clear to someone, or to provide additional information about a certain issue. For example: "Please provide clarification about the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, the joint statement on Tuesday did little to provide clarification.

The New York Times

"The agencies have had increasingly blurred lines of jurisdiction in terms of which will review a merger," Mr. Rill said, "and this would provide clarification to the process.

The New York Times

(If any such people feel this characterization is unfair, I urge them to take to the op-ed pages and provide clarification).

The New York Times

Before Mr. Gambira was released on Friday, the State Department called on the government "to provide clarification on the purpose of his detention".

The New York Times

The German foreign minister, Guido Westerwelle, said, "I appeal to the Chinese government to urgently provide clarification, and I expect Ai Weiwei to be released immediately".

The New York Times

Stan Shamu of IG predicts this guidance might be modified: There is a possibility we see the Fed provide clarification that the 6.5% unemployment threshold for putting up rates is conditional on inflation trending to 2%.

The Guardian - Business

"Further to being sacked as manager of Blackpool this week, I feel it is necessary to release a formal statement to provide clarification on certain key matters," said Ince, who lasted less than a year at the helm.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Monserrate, whose district includes the site for the new Mets stadium, has asked that the Internal Revenue Service provide clarification on the tax implications of the stadium financing and ensure that it complies with federal laws.

The New York Times

But James Plastiras, a spokesman for the division in Albany, said that while the court ruling had spurred it to define the term, state officials still felt obligated to provide clarification for both tenants and owners.

The New York Times

I know there has been discussion about using the term within the newspaper, and would like to know if someone is available to provide clarification about this particular incident for my piece.

The New York Times

But in a letter to the court on Wednesday that the Justice Department said would "provide clarification" on the issue, the department said "members of the prosecution team have of course been 'privy' " to information about the captured terrorists and have provided information that may have been used in their interrogations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provide clarification" in formal settings like reports, emails, or presentations where clarity is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "provide clarification" when a simpler verb like "explain" or "detail" would be more concise and direct. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide clarification" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used to introduce explanations or additional details that make something easier to understand. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, meaning it conforms to standard grammatical rules and is widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provide clarification" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to introduce explanations or details that enhance understanding. It is correct and frequently used in various contexts, as verified by Ludwig AI. While it appears most commonly in science and news media, remember to use it judiciously, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. When clarity is paramount, "provide clarification" is an excellent choice for professional and academic writing. Be aware of its intent which to resolve ambiguity, reduce confusion, or enhance understanding of a particular topic or issue. Ludwig examples clearly shows the expression in use in a variety of sentences from a variety of sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify the situation

Specifically refers to making a situation clearer.

explain in detail

Highlights the thoroughness of the explanation.

offer explanation

Focuses on presenting an explanation, shifting the emphasis from clarity to the act of explaining.

spell out

Implies making something very clear and explicit.

give details

Emphasizes offering specific information to enhance understanding.

shed light on

Uses a metaphor to suggest illuminating a topic.

offer insights

Focuses on providing a deeper understanding or perspective.

elucidate the matter

Uses a more formal and sophisticated term for clarifying.

give a breakdown

Suggests providing a structured analysis to improve understanding.

offer an interpretation

Focuses on presenting a particular understanding or viewpoint.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide clarification" when you need to explain concepts or ideas that are not clear to someone. For example, "The manual needs to "offer clarification" on the new software features."

What are some alternatives to "provide clarification"?

Some alternatives include "offer explanation", "give details", or "shed light on", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "provide clarification" and "provide details"?

"Provide clarification" emphasizes making something clearer and more understandable, while "provide details" focuses on offering specific information. They are similar, but their focus differs slightly.

When is it best to use "provide clarification" over other similar phrases?

Use "provide clarification" when the primary goal is to remove ambiguity or confusion. If the goal is simply to add more information, other phrases like "give details" or "offer information" may be more appropriate.