to clarify

USAGE SUMMARY

"to clarify" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to explain a concept or idea more clearly. For example: "In order to clarify my position, I'd like to provide additional information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But what's to clarify?

The Guardian

"To clarify, Pfc.

The New York Times

I want to clarify —.

Independent

I want to clarify everything.

Independent

Let me try to clarify.

The New York Times

G tried to clarify himself.

The New York Times

Just one point to clarify.

The Economist

Care to clarify?

The Guardian - Sport

He paused to clarify.

The Guardian - Film

Just to clarify things.

The Guardian - Books

Allow me to clarify.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to clarify" in formal writing, ensure that the clarification directly follows the statement needing clarification.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "to clarify", as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Use synonyms or rephrase for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to clarify" functions as an infinitive of purpose, introducing a statement that aims to make something more understandable or less ambiguous. It signals the intention to provide further explanation or details, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

20%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to clarify" is a frequently used phrase that serves as an infinitive of purpose, primarily employed to introduce explanations or additional details aimed at reducing ambiguity and enhancing understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread acceptance across various contexts, including news, science, and general communication. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse for stylistic reasons, opting for synonyms like "to elucidate" or "to specify" to maintain variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to make clear

Replaces "clarify" with a more direct and simple expression of the same intent.

to elucidate

Offers a more formal and sophisticated synonym for "clarify".

to explain

Provides a general term for making something understandable.

to specify

Emphasizes the act of providing detailed information to remove ambiguity.

to spell out

Suggests a thorough and explicit explanation.

to shed light on

Uses a metaphor to convey the act of making something easier to understand.

to offer insight into

Indicates providing a deeper understanding of a topic.

to provide context

Focuses on giving background information for better understanding.

to give details

Highlights the act of furnishing specific information.

for the purpose of clarification

A more formal construction expressing the same intent.

FAQs

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

You can use "to clarify" to introduce an explanation or further detail. For example, "To clarify, the meeting will be held next Tuesday."

What are some alternatives to "to clarify"?

Alternatives include "to elucidate", "to explain", or "to specify", depending on the level of detail you want to convey.

Is it better to use "to clarify" or "in order to clarify"?

"To clarify" is generally more concise and direct. "In order to clarify" can be used for emphasis, but is often unnecessary. Both are grammatically correct.

When is it appropriate to use "to clarify" in writing?

Use "to clarify" when you sense there might be ambiguity or misunderstanding in your previous statement and you want to provide further explanation. It's common in both formal and informal contexts.