Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
so a clarification
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "so a clarification" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to introduce a clarification but lacks proper structure. Example: "I would like to provide a clarification regarding the previous statement."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
But it's a sad commentary that he couldn't avoid building in an undermining flaw the silly abstinence provision even into his greatest achievement.Update: There's some pushback in the comments on abstinence, so a clarification is in order.
News & Media
First, in the literature [ 4, 5], the connection between steepening and the red herring is vaguely described, so a clarification will therefore contribute to the steepening literature.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
So a bit of clarification.
News & Media
Blodget, who rated 24/7 Media's stock as 2-2, or accumulate-accumulate, e-mailed back, "That it's a pos, yes?" Glatt seemed confused by this acronym, so Blodget sent her a clarification: "pos = piece of shit".
News & Media
That's not to say webOS won't have native access to those (though Dropbox seems more likely than MobileMe), just a clarification so you know what's going on there.
News & Media
The aims of the present paper are to take up the gauntlet thrown by Farrell and Hooker, and in so doing, to provide such a clarification.
Science
We work hard to obtain a clarification on this so that we can be sure if we have an area prioritized for pasturing, or if it is a disguised carnivore area (interview of local agricultural officer).
Science
His mediation efforts came amid reports that the US secretary of state, John Kerry – who will meet Netanyahu in Berlin on Thursday, and Abbas and King Abdullah of Jordan in Amman on Saturday – is pushing for a clarification of the so-called status quo at the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount site via a written agreement and a complaint-resolution mechanism.
News & Media
This could lead to a correction in the specification or a clarification in the documentation, so that all involved are in agreement.
Science
Precisely because such a clarification of tasks is so essential if the REC is to function efficiently, RECs must look into how decision studies may be incorporated in its risk-benefit tasks.
Science
That is already a part of Egyptian law, so the clarification rendered that provision of the decree moot.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When introducing a clarification, use transitional phrases like "therefore", "thus", or "in other words" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "so" directly before "a clarification" as it creates an awkward and grammatically incorrect construction. Instead, opt for clearer transitional phrases like "therefore" or "as such".
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "so a clarification" functions as an attempted introductory phrase. However, it's grammatically incorrect and doesn't effectively serve to introduce a clarification. Ludwig indicates that the standard written English is not correct.
Frequent in
News & Media
35%
Science
35%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
5%
Wiki
5%
Social Media
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the intent behind using the phrase "so a clarification" is to introduce further explanation or detail, it's considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig flags this phrase as non-standard, which negatively impacts its effectiveness in formal communication. It appears rarely in both news and scientific contexts. For improved clarity and grammatical correctness, opt for alternative transitional phrases such as "therefore a clarification", "thus a clarification", or other similar constructs to ensure your writing is both clear and grammatically sound.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
therefore, a clarification
Replaces "so" with "therefore" for a more grammatically sound introductory phrase.
thus, a clarification
Substitutes "so" with "thus", providing a formal and grammatically acceptable alternative.
hence, a clarification
Uses "hence" in place of "so" to indicate a logical consequence, improving grammatical correctness.
accordingly, a clarification
Replaces "so" with "accordingly" to show a logical connection, making the phrase grammatically correct.
as such, a clarification
Offers "as such" instead of "so" to introduce a clarification in a more formal manner.
consequently, a clarification
Replaces "so" with "consequently" to clearly indicate a result or conclusion, improving grammar.
for this reason, a clarification
Uses "for this reason" instead of "so" to provide a clear explanation, making the phrase grammatically correct.
in that case, a clarification
Substitutes "so" with "in that case" to introduce a clarification based on a previous statement.
with that in mind, a clarification
Offers "with that in mind" instead of "so" for a smoother and grammatically correct transition.
to clarify, then
Rearranges the structure to use "to clarify, then", offering a grammatically sound alternative.
FAQs
What are some alternatives to "so a clarification"?
You can use phrases like "therefore a clarification", "thus a clarification", or "consequently a clarification" to introduce a clarification in a more grammatically correct manner.
Is the phrase "so a clarification" grammatically correct?
No, the phrase "so a clarification" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's better to use a clearer transitional phrase such as "therefore" or "thus".
How can I use "a clarification" in a sentence?
You can use "a clarification" in sentences like, "Here's a clarification regarding the new policy" or "A clarification is needed to fully understand the situation."
What is the difference between "so a clarification" and "therefore a clarification"?
"So a clarification" is not grammatically sound. "Therefore a clarification" is a correct way to introduce a clarification, indicating a logical consequence or result.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
2.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested