Explain vs. Clarify – Which is Correct?

While often used interchangeably, explain and clarify refer to distinct communication acts. To explain is to provide information or details about a subject, making it understandable for the first time. To clarify is to make something already stated clearer, often by adding specific details or resolving ambiguity. Both are valid verbs in American English, serving different but related purposes in communication.

Explain or Clarify – Which is Correct?

Both “explain” and “clarify” are correct and grammatically sound verbs in American English, but they are used in different contexts to achieve specific communicative goals. The core difference lies in their starting point and objective.

Explain is used when introducing new information, describing a process, or detailing how something works from the ground up. The assumption is that the listener or reader has little to no prior understanding of the subject. Its purpose is to impart knowledge comprehensively.

Clarify, on the other hand, is used when information has already been presented but needs further elucidation to remove ambiguity, correct misunderstandings, or add precision. The assumption is that the listener or reader has some existing knowledge but requires additional detail or a different perspective to fully grasp a specific point.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

To easily remember the distinction, think of it this way:

• You Explain something Entirely new or Elaborate on a topic.
• You Clarify something that needs to be made Clear or Cut through confusion.

If you’re introducing a concept for the first time, you explain it. If someone is confused about a point you’ve already made, you clarify it.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Explain	Verb	To make something clear or understandable by describing it in detail or revealing relevant facts or ideas.	Can you explain how the new software works from start to finish?
Clarify	Verb	To make (something) less confusing and more comprehensible; to clear up confusion.	Could you please clarify what you mean by “early next week”?

How to Use Explain

“Explain” is a versatile verb used to convey information, reasons, or processes in a way that makes them understandable. It implies a detailed account, often breaking down complex ideas into simpler components. When you explain something, you are typically providing a comprehensive overview or a step-by-step description. Its usage is generally neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Example 1: The professor took an hour to explain the complex theory of relativity to the introductory physics class.

Example 2: Please explain to me why you think this decision is the best course of action for the company.

Example 3: The instruction manual clearly explains how to assemble the new furniture.

What are the different forms of Explain?

“Explain” is a regular verb. Its principal forms are:

• Base Form: explain (e.g., I explain)
• Third Person Singular Present: explains (e.g., He explains)
• Present Participle: explaining (e.g., She is explaining)
• Past Simple: explained (e.g., They explained)
• Past Participle: explained (e.g., It has been explained)

Etymology of the word Explain

The word “explain” comes from the Latin explanare, meaning “to make level, flatten, spread out,” and metaphorically, “to make clear, explain.” It is formed from ex- (“out, thoroughly”) and planus (“flat, level”). The sense of “making something plain or clear to the understanding” emerged in English in the late 14th century.

How to Use Clarify

“Clarify” is used when there’s an existing statement or situation that is unclear, ambiguous, or has led to misunderstanding. The goal is to make that specific point transparent, often by providing additional details, examples, or rephrasing. It focuses on resolving confusion rather than introducing entirely new information. Like “explain,” “clarify” is neutral in tone and appropriate for various settings.

Example 1: The spokesperson was asked to clarify the company’s stance on the recent policy change after public backlash.

Example 2: Could you please clarify the deadline for the project? I thought it was Friday, but I heard some colleagues discussing Monday.

Example 3: To clarify my previous statement, I meant that the project requires more resources, not that it should be canceled entirely.

What are the different forms of Clarify?

“Clarify” is a regular verb. Its principal forms are:

• Base Form: clarify (e.g., I clarify)
• Third Person Singular Present: clarifies (e.g., She clarifies)
• Present Participle: clarifying (e.g., He is clarifying)
• Past Simple: clarified (e.g., They clarified)
• Past Participle: clarified (e.g., It has been clarified)

Etymology of the word Clarify

The word “clarify” originates from the Old French clarifier, meaning “to make clear,” and ultimately from the Late Latin clarificare, which combines clarus (“clear”) and facere (“to make”). It entered English in the late 14th century, initially referring to making liquid clear, and later extended to making ideas or statements clear.

Related Concepts

Understanding these broader communication concepts can further illuminate the distinction between “explain” and “clarify.”

• Precision in Language: Both “explain” and “clarify” aim for precision, but “explain” builds it from the ground up, while “clarify” refines existing precision or corrects its absence. Choosing the right word demonstrates an awareness of the listener’s current understanding.
• Active Listening and Feedback: The need to “clarify” often arises from effective active listening, where a listener identifies a point of confusion and seeks further detail. Conversely, “explaining” well can reduce the need for subsequent clarification by anticipating potential questions.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “It’s not enough to simply state facts; you must also explain their significance.” — A common sentiment in journalism, emphasizing the need for context.
• “Could you clarify what you meant by ‘unforeseen circumstances’ in your previous email?” — A typical request in professional correspondence, seeking specific details.
• “The detective asked the witness to explain the sequence of events leading up to the incident, hoping to piece together the full story.” — From a crime novel, illustrating the need for a comprehensive account.
• “The teacher had to clarify the assignment instructions multiple times, as many students were confused about the submission format.” — A common scenario in education, showing the need to resolve ambiguity.
• “In his memoir, the author attempts to explain the complex political landscape of his youth, providing historical context for his personal experiences.” — Highlighting the act of imparting broad understanding.

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The scientist tried to ________ the new discovery in simple terms for the public.
2. I need you to ________ your last comment; I’m not sure I understood your intention.
3. Before we proceed, can someone ________ the steps for logging into the new system?
4. The lawyer asked the witness to ________ his testimony, specifically regarding the timing of the events.
5. Her presentation failed to ________ the core concepts, leaving the audience bewildered.

Answer Key

1. explain
2. clarify
3. explain
4. clarify
5. explain

Explain Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Describe	To give an account in words of (someone or something), including all the relevant characteristics, qualities, or events.
Elaborate	To add more detail or explanation to something.
Expound	To present and explain (a theory or idea) in detail.
Interpret	To explain the meaning of (information, words, or actions).
Illustrate	To explain or make clear by using examples, charts, pictures, etc.

Clarify Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Elucidate	To make (something) clear; explain.
Specify	To state a fact or requirement clearly and precisely.
Illuminat	To help to explain (something).
Simplify	To make (something) simpler or easier to do or understand.
Explicate	To analyze and develop (an idea or principle) in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can “explain” and “clarify” be used interchangeably?
While there is some overlap in their general goal of making something understandable, they are not fully interchangeable. “Explain” is broader, providing comprehensive information. “Clarify” is more specific, aiming to resolve an existing ambiguity or misunderstanding about a particular point that has already been mentioned.

Question 2: Is one word more formal than the other?
No, both “explain” and “clarify” are standard English verbs suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The choice between them depends entirely on the communicative intent and the listener’s current level of understanding.

Question 3: When should I prefer “clarify” over “explain”?
You should prefer “clarify” when a statement, instruction, or concept has already been introduced but is causing confusion, or when you need to add specific details to make an existing point more precise. If you are introducing entirely new information or a complex process, “explain” is the more appropriate choice.

Conclusion

The distinction between “explain” and “clarify” is subtle but significant in achieving effective communication. Remember that you explain new concepts or processes from the beginning, providing a foundational understanding. You clarify existing information to remove ambiguity, correct misunderstandings, or add precision to a specific point. Recognizing this difference allows for more deliberate and impactful language use.

Pro Tip: Using “clarify” when someone is confused shows empathy and a willingness to ensure understanding. Using “explain” effectively demonstrates your ability to convey information comprehensively. Mastering both enhances your professional communication skills.