this may clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this may clarify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that the following information or explanation might help to make something clearer. Example: "I understand there may be some confusion regarding the project timeline. This may clarify the deadlines we discussed in our last meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This may clarify what the gig economy is or isn't.

The Washington Post

This may clarify the molecular mechanisms by which HBx expression is associated with the hepatic insulin signaling.

Plosone

This may clarify the improvement in the therapeutic effectiveness of SSRI in the patients with FM.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Consider the lower age limit that is proposed for assent: this may clarify it.

Archives of Disease in Childhood

With the use of 'Goal hierarchies' we show that when personal goals are set above professional goals, this may clarify and resolve tension between potentially conflicting goals.

BMJ Open

This may clarify the NSE-neuropathy relationship observed in this cross-sectional study, thus providing an additional approach to guide the management of this diabetes complication.

Diabetes Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A continued follow-up of this cohort may clarify this.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

From a pathological point of view, the lower vascular density of colon cancer metastasis in comparison with sarcoma metastasis may be related to the intense central necrosis observed in colon cancer metastasis but the biological and prognostic meaning of these observations are not clear and only the follow up study of this population may clarify this aspect in the future.

British Journal of Cancer

Ben Stafford, head of campaigns at the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: "This budget may clarify where the chancellor's axe will fall.

The Guardian

This finding may clarify the mode of transmission and the evolution of the H. pylori genome.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Studies using longitudinal designs to investigate this issue may clarify whether mate preferences directly influence mate choices, mate choices directly influence mate preferences, or both.

British Journal of Psychology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this may clarify" when you want to gently suggest that the following information will improve understanding, without sounding overly assertive or definitive.

Common error

Avoid using "this will clarify" if you're not absolutely certain the information will provide complete clarity. "This may clarify" acknowledges that some ambiguity might still remain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this may clarify" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling that the subsequent information is intended to provide explanation or resolution. As Ludwig AI's analysis indicates, it's often used to gently guide the audience towards a better understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this may clarify" serves as a useful introductory phrase to signal an upcoming explanation or resolution. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that it's grammatically correct and most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts. While versatile, it’s best used when you aim to gently guide your audience towards understanding, rather than asserting absolute certainty. Alternatives such as "this might explain" or "this could illuminate" offer subtle variations in emphasis, depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey. Using "this may clarify" appropriately enhances clarity and fosters a more nuanced communication style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this serves to clarify

A more formal way of expressing the same meaning, emphasizing the purpose of clarification.

this could illuminate

Replaces "clarify" with "illuminate", suggesting a stronger sense of revealing or making something clear.

this might explain

Focuses on providing an explanation for something, rather than necessarily making it clearer.

this could elucidate

Uses a more formal and academic term, "elucidate", to suggest a thorough and detailed explanation.

this might resolve

Shifts the focus to resolving a problem or question, rather than just clarifying it.

this could shed light on

Emphasizes the idea of providing new information or perspective to help understand something.

this will help understand

Directly states the intention to aid understanding, making it more explicit.

this offers a solution

Suggests providing a solution to a problem, implying clarity as a byproduct.

this provides context

Focuses on giving background information to improve understanding.

this gives insight into

Highlights providing a deeper understanding or perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "this may clarify" in a sentence?

Use "this may clarify" to introduce information that you believe will help to explain or resolve a point of confusion. For example, "I understand there are questions about the budget; this may clarify the allocation of resources."

What are some alternatives to "this may clarify"?

You can use alternatives like "this might explain", "this could illuminate", or "this could shed light on" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "this may clarify" and "this will clarify"?

"This may clarify" suggests a possibility of clarification, while "this will clarify" implies a certainty. The former is often more appropriate when you cannot guarantee complete understanding.

Is it appropriate to use "this may clarify" in formal writing?

Yes, "this may clarify" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or professional contexts where you want to offer an explanation without being overly assertive. Consider alternatives such as "this serves to clarify" for an even more formal tone.