seeking to clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seeking to clarify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the intention of making something clearer or more understandable. Example: "In our meeting, I will be seeking to clarify the objectives of the project to ensure everyone is on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At his confirmation hearing Sessions did not help his cause by seeking to clarify his stance.

The Guardian

Finally, in late August of that year, he issued a statement seeking to "clarify" his position.

The New York Times

The South Korean Defense Ministry said it was seeking to clarify the president's intentions.

The New York Times

Williams, seeking to clarify his position, said he was not advocating parallel systems of law.

The New York Times

"There's a gray area in existing policy that the F.A.A. is seeking to clarify.

The New York Times

The Foreign Office said tonight it was seeking to clarify reports of Mann's release.

The Guardian

Ms. Abou Ismail did not return phone calls seeking to clarify the situation.

The New York Times

At the same time, Carnival is seeking to clarify the cost of breaking up the rival deal.

The New York Times

Debbie Purdy, who has multiple sclerosis, is seeking to clarify the law in the House of Lords.

The Guardian

He was seeking to clarify why he had earlier described Ukip as the "best of a bad bunch".

The Guardian - Sport

Judge Hellerstein's questions seeking to clarify this and other matters underscored the complicated nature of Trump's family separation policy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seeking to clarify", ensure that the specific point needing clarification is clearly identified to maintain focus and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "seeking to clarify" without specifying what needs clarification. Ensure the context makes it clear which aspect is being addressed, otherwise, the statement becomes meaningless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeking to clarify" functions as a purpose clause, indicating the intention or aim behind an action. According to Ludwig AI, it denotes the act of trying to make something more understandable or less ambiguous. Examples show its use in various contexts, from political statements to scientific research.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "seeking to clarify" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express the intention of making something clearer or more understandable. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across various contexts, notably in News & Media, Academia, and Science. The phrase functions as a purpose clause, aiming to resolve confusion and provide precise explanations. When using "seeking to clarify", ensure the specific point requiring clarification is clearly identified to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying to explain

Focuses on the act of providing an explanation, possibly simplifying the original statement.

endeavoring to make clear

Highlights the effort and intent to ensure clarity.

intends to simplify

Highlights the goal of making something less complex.

attempting to elucidate

Emphasizes a more formal and thorough effort to make something clear.

hopes to explicate

Suggests a formal and detailed explanation.

aiming to resolve ambiguity

Directly addresses the goal of removing uncertainty or vagueness.

setting out to define

Implies a more structured and formal approach to establishing meaning.

working to illuminate

Uses a more figurative approach, suggesting bringing light to a subject.

looking to shed light on

Similar to 'working to illuminate' but emphasizes revealing new information.

plans to demystify

Focuses on removing the mysterious or incomprehensible aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "seeking to clarify" in a sentence?

You can use "seeking to clarify" to indicate an attempt to make something more understandable. For example, "The ministry is "seeking to clarify" the new regulations".

What are some alternatives to "seeking to clarify"?

Alternatives include "attempting to explain", "trying to understand", or "aiming to resolve ambiguity", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "seeking clarification" or "seeking to clarify"?

"Seeking clarification" is a noun phrase that refers to the act of making something clear, while ""seeking to clarify"" is a verb phrase that describes the action of trying to make something clear. The choice depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence.

When should I use "seeking to clarify" instead of "clarifying"?

Use ""seeking to clarify"" when emphasizing the process or intention of making something clear. Use "clarifying" when describing the action of making something clear as it happens or as a continuous effort.