to make clearer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make clearer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the intention of enhancing understanding or reducing ambiguity in a statement or concept. Example: "I will provide additional examples to make clearer the points I discussed in my presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

It said: "The MoD needs to make clearer the reasons for these considerable increases".

The Guardian

Labour needs to make clearer exactly how it proposes to devolve power and how far it is prepared to go.

The Guardian

The consulting firms, in turn, may then have to make clearer decisions about which companies they work with.

The New York Times

United States banks received a regulatory memo this year asking them to make clearer their public disclosures about their exposure to Europe's troubled countries.

The New York Times

Sprint, though, says that stepping in frees it to make clearer legal points and give the government technical support about the industry.

The New York Times

This article was amended on 6 and 9 March 2016 to make clearer that the £8.4 million loan was taken out in March 2015.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

This is hard to make clear.

The New York Times

He confused to make clear".

The Guardian - Books

How difficult is this to make clear to an audience?

The New York Times

But what exactly did she wish to make clear?

The New Yorker

Well, one thing I want to make clear.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to make clearer" when you want to explicitly state your intention to improve understanding or reduce ambiguity. For example, "I will provide additional examples "to make clearer" the points I discussed in my presentation."

Common error

Avoid using "to make clearer" in situations where the need for clarification is already self-evident or the concept is already simple. Overusing it can make your writing sound redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make clearer" functions as an infinitive of purpose. It indicates the reason or intention behind an action, specifically to enhance understanding or reduce ambiguity. The Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to make clearer" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express the intention of enhancing understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and usable expression. It's most frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts and serves an explanatory purpose. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in simple situations where the need for clarification is already apparent. Consider alternatives like "to clarify" or "to elucidate" depending on the desired level of formality. Remember that while “to make more clear” is not technically incorrect, “to make clearer” is more common and natural in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to clarify

This alternative offers a more concise way to express the act of making something easier to understand.

to make plain

Similar to "to make clearer" but emphasizes simplicity and directness in the explanation.

to elucidate

Using "elucidate" introduces a more formal tone, suggesting a detailed explanation to remove confusion.

to explain more fully

This phrase suggests a more complete and thorough explanation.

to put in simpler terms

Indicates a simplification of complex information.

to shed light on

This idiom implies revealing or highlighting aspects of something to improve understanding.

to give more detail

Focuses on providing additional information to enhance clarity.

to spell out

This phrase indicates explaining something in a very detailed and explicit manner, leaving no room for ambiguity.

to offer further insight

Implies providing a deeper understanding or perspective.

to break down

This phrase suggests disassembling a complex topic into smaller, more manageable parts for easier comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "to make clearer" in a sentence?

You can use "to make clearer" to introduce an explanation or elaboration intended to improve understanding. For example, "The author added an appendix "to make clearer" the methodology used in the study.".

What can I say instead of "to make clearer"?

You can use alternatives like "to clarify", "to elucidate", or "to explain" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "to make clearer" or "to make more clear"?

"To make clearer" is generally preferred and more common in contemporary English. "To make more clear" isn't incorrect, but it sounds less natural.

What's the difference between "to make clearer" and "to clarify"?

"To make clearer" implies a process of enhancing existing clarity, while "to clarify" can also mean to remove confusion or ambiguity entirely. They are often interchangeable, but the nuance depends on the specific context.