to be clarified

USAGE SUMMARY

'to be clarified' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain that something needs further explanation or explanation in more detail. For example: "Several points in the report remain to be clarified."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The rules need to be clarified.

The Economist

Even so, the contradiction needs to be clarified.

The New York Times - Arts

"Certain things have to be clarified" Mr. Gissin said.

The New York Times

If so, however, two things would have to be clarified.

The New York Times - Arts

THE designation "fabric artist" leaves much to be clarified.

The New York Times

Bo now faces "discipline violations," to be clarified later.

The New Yorker

Details of the process, however, remain to be clarified.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So it needs to be clarified, and clarified quickly".

The New York Times

What, if anything needs to be clarified?

Science Magazine

Some issues really need to be clarified.

BBC

However, its mechanism had to be clarified.

Rice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be clarified" when indicating that a point, concept, or process requires more detailed explanation or further investigation. It's suitable for academic papers, reports, and formal communications where precision is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "to be clarified" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "needs more explaining" or "let's make it clearer" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be clarified" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase. According to Ludwig, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used, indicating its acceptance in standard English. It often serves to highlight the necessity of further explanation or definition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be clarified" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating that something requires further explanation or detail. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English, particularly in formal and scientific contexts. While it is widely accepted, simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal settings. The phrase's prevalence in reputable sources like The New York Times and academic journals underscores its reliability. When using "to be clarified", ensure that the context calls for a formal tone and that precision is key. If not, consider alternative phrases like "to be explained" or "to be defined".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be elucidated

Replaces "clarified" with a more formal synonym, implying a need for detailed explanation.

to be explained further

Adds emphasis on the need for additional explanation.

to be made more explicit

Focuses on making something more clear and direct.

to require further explanation

Shifts the focus to the requirement of explanation.

to need further definition

Highlights the necessity of defining something more precisely.

to be investigated further

Implies a need for deeper inquiry and examination.

to be resolved

Suggests a need to settle or find a solution to something unclear.

to be addressed

Highlights the necessity of dealing with something needing attention.

to be unpacked

Suggests a need to break down and analyze something complex.

to be interpreted

Focuses on the need to understand the meaning of something.

FAQs

How can I use "to be clarified" in a sentence?

You can use "to be clarified" to indicate that a certain point or aspect requires further explanation. For instance, "The details of the agreement remain "to be clarified"".

What are some alternatives to "to be clarified"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to be explained", "to be elucidated", or "to be defined", depending on the context.

Is "to be clarified" formal or informal?

"To be clarified" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or technical writing. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "to be clarified" and "to be explained"?

While both phrases indicate a need for further understanding, "to be clarified" suggests removing ambiguity or confusion, whereas "to be explained" simply implies providing more information. The choice depends on whether the issue is unclear or just requires more detail.