this clarifies

USAGE SUMMARY

"this clarifies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to make something simpler or more obvious by providing more information or offering an explanation. For example, "This clarifies why the company is making these changes to its policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I hope this clarifies.

The New York Times

At least this clarifies things".

The Guardian - Books

This clarifies things a lot".

The New York Times

This clarifies the choices before us.

The New York Times

I hope this clarifies matters for you.

The Guardian

"This clarifies the sequence," he said.

The New York Times - Science

I hope that this clarifies matters!

Cornell University

This clarifies previous guidance which stated miniskirts were "considered unsuitable".

The Guardian - Sport

This clarifies some aspects of our existence while deepening the mystery and the awe of others.

The Guardian

This clarifies the butter and prevents it from burning while the liver is fried.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I would argue that this clarifies what the statistics always intended to show.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this clarifies" to directly signal that you are about to make something easier to understand, usually after a complex statement or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "this clarifies" as a mere transition. Ensure that the subsequent statement genuinely simplifies or provides new understanding, otherwise consider rephrasing or omitting it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this clarifies" functions as a demonstrative followed by a verb, serving as an explicit discourse marker. It signals that the speaker or writer intends to provide further explanation or simplification of a preceding statement, aiming to enhance the audience's comprehension. Ludwig confirms this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this clarifies" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that explicitly signals an intent to simplify or explain a preceding statement. According to Ludwig, it functions as a discourse marker, effectively guiding the audience towards enhanced comprehension. While suitable across various contexts, from formal academic writing to news reporting, its overuse without genuine clarification should be avoided. Alternative phrases, such as "this elucidates" or "this explains", can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific communicative purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this elucidates

Replaces 'clarifies' with a more formal synonym, suggesting a deeper level of explanation.

this explains

Offers a more direct and general way of indicating an explanation is being provided.

this illuminates

Uses a more metaphorical term to suggest bringing light to a subject.

this demonstrates

Emphasizes the act of showing or proving something, rather than just clarifying.

this indicates

Suggests pointing something out, often used for more subtle implications.

this highlights

Focuses on drawing attention to particular aspects of something.

this resolves

Implies the settling of a question or problem.

this simplifies

Suggests reducing complexity, making something easier to understand.

this confirms

Indicates verification or validation of a previous statement.

this specifies

Adds detail and precision to a general statement.

FAQs

How can I use "this clarifies" in a sentence?

You can use "this clarifies" to introduce an explanation that simplifies a previous statement. For example, "The experiment yielded unexpected results; this clarifies the need for further investigation."

What phrases are similar to "this clarifies"?

Alternatives include "this explains", "this elucidates", or "this illuminates". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "this clarifies" in formal writing?

Yes, "this clarifies" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific or technical contexts where clarity is paramount. However, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "this elucidates" for added impact.

What's the difference between "this clarifies" and "this confirms"?

"This clarifies" implies making something easier to understand, while "this confirms" indicates that something has been verified or validated. Use "this clarifies" when providing an explanation and "this confirms" when presenting evidence.