serve to clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serve to clarify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining that something helps to make a point clearer or more understandable. Example: "The additional information provided in the report serves to clarify the main arguments presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"But this can only serve to clarify and reaffirm our belief that the Bible is the true word of God".

The New York Times

But its flaws serve to clarify the way the political correctness of the early 1990's has donned the sheep's clothing of amorphous sociological musing.

The New York Times - Arts

But, given Mr. Nunes's comments, along with the already strong disagreements apparent between him and Mr. Schiff, it seems unlikely the House investigation will serve to clarify matters.

The Washington Post

Classification of lichens is difficult and remains controversial, though genetic analyses of the symbionts in a given lichen may serve to clarify the taxonomy of the group.

Britannica

n2 That message was reiterated later in the instructions, see ante, at 4, n. 1,ante, at 8, n. 3. Reiterating what has already been clearly stated does not serve to clarify an ambiguous statement.

Cornell University

The huge, close-set eyes of many types of lemurs serve to clarify the complexity of dark, dense close-up foliage, which, if the head is kept still, is almost impossible to sort out without stereoscopic vision — and in a jungle full of illusion and deceit, stereopsis is indispensable in breaking camouflage.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"The high Ccourt's decision serves to clarify the operation of these laws.

The Guardian

Ms. Napolitano tried to allay European concerns, saying the meeting on Thursday had served to clarify misunderstandings.

The New York Times

Objectives: this study has served to clarify the epidemiology and serology of primary EBV infection during early infancy.

Journal of Clinical Virology

Still, "World War 3.0" serves to clarify complex issues that could be resolved any number of ways in the changed environment of the new Bush administration.

The New York Times - Books

Obama's gambit has served to clarify that the Republican priority is less closing the deficit, per se, than shrinking government and cutting taxes.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serve to clarify", ensure that the subject performing the action directly contributes to a better understanding of the topic. For example, "The examples in the report serve to clarify the methodology used."

Common error

Avoid using "serve to clarify" with abstract nouns that cannot logically perform an action. Instead of "The problem serves to clarify the solution", consider "Studying the problem serves to clarify the solution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve to clarify" functions as a purpose connector, linking an action or piece of information to its intended outcome of making something clearer or more understandable. Ludwig confirms the acceptability and usability of this phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serve to clarify" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate that something aids in making a topic more understandable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a useful phrase for explaining the purpose of an action or piece of information. Primarily found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, it’s appropriate for formal and neutral writing. Remember to use it when the subject directly contributes to clarity, and avoid misusing it with abstract nouns that cannot perform actions. Alternatives like "help to elucidate" and "assist in clarifying" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "serve to clarify" to enhance the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

help to elucidate

Replaces "serve" with "help" and "clarify" with "elucidate", offering a more formal tone.

assist in clarifying

Substitutes "serve" with "assist" and changes "to clarify" to "in clarifying", slightly altering the structure.

contribute to understanding

Replaces the direct action of clarifying with a contribution towards understanding.

work to illuminate

Changes "clarify" to "illuminate", implying a more profound level of understanding.

aim to disambiguate

Replaces "clarify" with "disambiguate", emphasizing the removal of ambiguity.

be instrumental in clarifying

Adds emphasis to the importance of the action in making something clearer.

provide clarification for

Shifts the focus to providing clarification rather than the act of clarifying itself.

shed light on

Uses a more figurative expression to mean making something clearer.

make more transparent

Focuses on increasing transparency as a means of clarification.

render more comprehensible

Replaces "clarify" with a more elaborate phrase, maintaining a formal tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "serve to clarify" to indicate that something helps to make a situation or concept clearer. For example: "The new data will "serve to clarify" the extent of the problem".

What are some alternatives to "serve to clarify"?

Alternatives include "help to elucidate", "assist in clarifying", or "contribute to understanding", each offering a slightly different nuance while maintaining the core meaning.

Is "serve to clarify" formal or informal?

"Serve to clarify" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. More informal alternatives might include "help explain" or "make clearer."

What's the difference between "serve to clarify" and "help to clarify"?

The difference is minimal. "Serve to clarify" can sound slightly more formal than "help to clarify", but both are widely accepted and understood.