In the vast realm of language, idioms serve as colorful expressions that add depth and nuance to communication. They encapsulate complex ideas in succinct phrases, often conveying sentiments that go beyond the literal meanings of their words.
Understanding and using idioms appropriately can significantly enhance one’s communication skills, making interactions more engaging and impactful.
Is it Professional to Say “Just To Clarify” In An Email?
Appropriate Contexts
- Seeking Clarification: When you need more information or want to ensure you understand something correctly.
- Example: “Just to clarify, are we meeting at 3 PM tomorrow in the main conference room?”
- Providing Clarification: When you want to make sure your previous message or instructions are understood correctly.
- Example: “Just to clarify, the deadline for the report is next Friday, not this Friday.”
Potential Benefits
- Clear Communication: It helps to prevent misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.
- Polite and Professional: The phrase is courteous and shows that you value accuracy in communication.
Potential Pitfalls
- Overuse: Using it too frequently in a single email or across multiple communications can make you appear overly cautious or hesitant.
- Balance it with other phrases or explanations to maintain variety.
- Assuming Misunderstanding: Be mindful not to imply that the other party has failed to communicate clearly. Use the phrase in a way that focuses on your need for clarity rather than their potential lack of clarity.
- Example: “I want to make sure I understand correctly” instead of “Your instructions were unclear.”
Examples of Effective Use
- Email to a Colleague:
- “Just to clarify, should we include the latest sales figures in the presentation?”
- “Just to clarify, are we prioritizing the marketing campaign over the product launch?”
- Email to a Client:
- “Just to clarify, the final deliverables will be submitted by the end of the month, correct?”
- “Just to clarify, you would like us to proceed with the revised budget proposal?”
- Email to a Team:
- “Just to clarify, the team meeting has been moved to Thursday at 10 AM, right?”
- “Just to clarify, we are all agreed on the new project timeline?”
Alternatives
- Seeking Confirmation: “Can you confirm that…?”
- Example: “Can you confirm that we are meeting at 3 PM tomorrow?”
- Ensuring Understanding: “I want to make sure I understand correctly…”
- Example: “I want to make sure I understand correctly, the report is due next Friday?”
- Rephrasing: “To be clear…”
- Example: “To be clear, the marketing campaign takes priority over the product launch?”
List of Professional Ways to Say “Just To Clarify” In An Email
- To clear things up
- To ensure clarity
- To make things clearer
- To avoid any confusion
- To make it clear
- To provide clarity
- To elucidate
- To shed some light on
- To remove any ambiguity
- To set the record straight
- To straighten things out
- To offer clarification
- To clarify further
- To ensure understanding
- To dispel any misunderstandings
- To clarify the situation
- To make sure we’re on the same page
- To iron out any confusion
- To make certain
- To provide additional clarity
- To clarify things a bit
- To clarify the matter
- To make things more transparent
- To provide additional context
- To give a clearer explanation
To clear things up
The idiom “to clear things up” is commonly used to indicate a desire to resolve confusion or uncertainty by providing additional information or clarification. It implies a proactive effort to ensure mutual understanding and clarity in communication. This phrase can be employed in both formal and informal settings, depending on the context.
Example:
“Thank you for your question. Just to clear things up, the deadline for the project is next Friday, not this Friday as previously mentioned.”
To ensure clarity
“To ensure clarity” emphasizes the importance of making information or instructions easily understandable and unambiguous. It conveys a commitment to facilitating clear communication and minimizing the risk of misunderstanding. This phrase is typically used in professional contexts but can also be suitable for informal communications where precision is valued.

Example:
“I’m sending this email to ensure clarity regarding the upcoming meeting schedule. Please let me know if you need any further information.”
To make things clearer
“To make things clearer” signifies an intention to provide additional information or explanation to improve understanding. It suggests a proactive approach to addressing confusion or ambiguity in communication. This phrase is versatile and can be used in various settings, both formal and informal.
Example:
“Let me make things clearer regarding the changes to our company’s policy. I’ll outline the updates in detail during tomorrow’s meeting.”
To avoid any confusion
“To avoid any confusion” underscores the importance of clarity and precision in communication to prevent misunderstandings. It conveys a commitment to ensuring that information is conveyed accurately and comprehensively. This phrase is commonly used in professional settings but can also be employed in personal communications where clarity is paramount.
Example:
“Just to avoid any confusion, I want to clarify the instructions for completing the report. Please refer to the attached guidelines for clarity.”
To make it clear
“To make it clear” is a straightforward expression used to emphasize a point or provide clarification. It conveys a determination to convey information in a direct and unambiguous manner. This phrase can be used in both formal and informal contexts to reinforce understanding.
Example:
“I want to make it clear that the meeting scheduled for Monday has been postponed to Wednesday due to unforeseen circumstances.”
Other Ways To Say “I Will Do My Best”
To provide clarity
“To provide clarity” indicates an intention to offer clear and concise information to enhance understanding. It suggests a proactive effort to address any ambiguity or uncertainty in communication. This phrase is commonly used in professional settings but can also be appropriate for informal communications.
Example:
“Allow me to provide clarity on the new software update. I’ll outline the key features and improvements in an upcoming training session.”
To elucidate
“To elucidate” means to explain or clarify something in detail, shedding light on a complex topic or concept. It conveys a desire to provide comprehensive understanding by offering detailed explanations or examples. This phrase is more formal and is often used in academic or professional contexts.
Example:
“I will elucidate the key findings of the research study during tomorrow’s presentation, providing a thorough analysis of the data.”
To shed some light on
“To shed some light on” is used to provide insight or clarification on a particular subject or issue. It implies bringing clarity to a situation by offering information or perspective that may not have been previously understood. This phrase can be used in various settings, both formal and informal.
Example:
“Let me shed some light on the recent changes to our company’s organizational structure. I’ll explain the rationale behind the restructuring during the staff meeting.”
To remove any ambiguity
“To remove any ambiguity” expresses a commitment to eliminating uncertainty or vagueness in communication. It conveys a proactive approach to ensuring that information is conveyed clearly and precisely. This phrase is commonly used in formal settings where precision and clarity are essential.
Example:
“Our goal is to remove any ambiguity regarding the project timeline. I’ll provide a detailed schedule outlining key milestones and deadlines.”
To set the record straight
“To set the record straight” means to provide accurate information or correct misconceptions about a particular issue. It implies a desire to clarify misunderstandings or misinformation and present the facts accurately. This phrase is often used in situations where there is confusion or misinformation that needs to be addressed.
Example:
“I want to set the record straight regarding the rumors circulating about the company’s financial performance. I’ll provide an accurate overview in tomorrow’s presentation.”
To straighten things out
“To straighten things out” indicates a desire to resolve confusion or misunderstanding by providing clarification or resolving issues. It conveys a commitment to addressing problems or discrepancies in communication. This phrase can be used in various settings, both formal and informal.
Example:
“Let’s have a meeting to straighten things out regarding the miscommunication that occurred last week. We need to ensure everyone is on the same page moving forward.”
To offer clarification
“To offer clarification” signifies an intention to provide additional information or explanation to improve understanding. It implies a willingness to address questions or concerns by providing clear and concise responses. This phrase is commonly used in professional settings but can also be suitable for informal communications.
Example:
“I’m happy to offer clarification on the new company policy. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further information.”
To clarify further
“To clarify further” emphasizes a willingness to provide additional information or explanation to enhance understanding. It suggests a commitment to ensuring that all aspects of a topic or issue are thoroughly understood. This phrase is often used in professional settings where clarity and precision are essential.
Example:
“Allow me to clarify further regarding the project requirements. I’ll provide detailed specifications to ensure everyone is clear on what needs to be done.”
To ensure understanding
“To ensure understanding” conveys a commitment to making sure that information or instructions are comprehended correctly. It implies a proactive effort to confirm that communication has been effectively received and processed. This phrase is commonly used in formal settings where clarity and comprehension are paramount.
Example:
“We need to ensure understanding regarding the new safety protocols. I’ll conduct a training session to ensure everyone is familiar with the procedures.”
To dispel any misunderstandings
“To dispel any misunderstandings” means to clarify or correct misconceptions or misinterpretations. It conveys a commitment to addressing confusion or ambiguity in communication by providing clear and accurate information. This phrase is commonly used in professional settings where precision and clarity are essential.

Example:
“Let’s have a meeting to dispel any misunderstandings about the project requirements. I’ll clarify the objectives and expectations moving forward.”
To clarify the situation
“To clarify the situation” indicates an intention to provide additional information or explanation to improve understanding of a particular issue or scenario. It implies a desire to address confusion or uncertainty by offering clarity and context. This phrase can be used in various settings, both formal and informal.
Example:
“I’ll send out an email to clarify the situation regarding the changes to our team structure. I want to ensure everyone is informed and understands the rationale behind the decision.”
To make sure we’re on the same page
“To make sure we’re on the same page” means to confirm mutual understanding or agreement on a particular topic or issue. It conveys a desire to ensure that all parties involved have a shared understanding of the situation or expectations. This phrase is often used in informal settings to confirm alignment or consensus.
Example:
“Before we proceed with the project, let’s have a quick meeting to make sure we’re on the same page regarding the scope and deliverables.”
To iron out any confusion
“To iron out any confusion” signifies an intention to resolve or clarify any misunderstandings or discrepancies. It implies a commitment to addressing issues or discrepancies in communication to ensure clarity and understanding. This phrase can be used in various settings, both formal and informal.
Example:
“Let’s schedule a call to iron out any confusion regarding the new process. I want to make sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.”
To make certain
“To make certain” emphasizes a commitment to ensuring that information or instructions are understood and followed accurately. It conveys a desire to eliminate uncertainty or ambiguity by providing clear and explicit guidance. This phrase is commonly used in formal settings where precision and accuracy are essential.
Example:
“I’ll review the document to make certain that all the details are accurate and up to date before sending it out to the team.”
To provide additional clarity
“To provide additional clarity” indicates a willingness to offer further explanation or information to enhance understanding. It implies a commitment to ensuring that all aspects of a topic or issue are thoroughly understood. This phrase is commonly used in professional settings where clarity and precision are essential.
Example:
“I’ll include additional details in the report to provide additional clarity on the project status and next steps.”
To clarify things a bit
“To clarify things a bit” signifies a desire to provide some additional information or explanation to improve understanding. It suggests a willingness to address questions or concerns by offering clarification in a concise and straightforward manner. This phrase can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Example:
“Let me clarify things a bit regarding the upcoming changes to our schedule. I’ll provide an overview of the adjustments in tomorrow’s team meeting.”
To clarify the matter
“To clarify the matter” indicates an intention to address a specific issue or topic by providing additional information or explanation. It conveys a commitment to resolving confusion or uncertainty by offering clarity and context. This phrase is commonly used in professional settings where precision and accuracy are essential.
Example:
“I’ll reach out to the client to clarify the matter regarding the recent changes to the contract. I want to ensure there are no misunderstandings moving forward.”
To make things more transparent
“To make things more transparent” means to provide clearer information or explanations to enhance understanding and reduce ambiguity. It conveys a commitment to openness and honesty in communication by offering clarity and insight. This phrase is often used in professional settings to promote transparency and accountability.
Example:
“Our goal is to make things more transparent regarding the decision-making process. I’ll provide regular updates to keep everyone informed of any developments.”
To provide additional context
“To provide additional context” indicates a willingness to offer further information or background to enhance understanding. It implies a commitment to ensuring that all relevant details are considered and understood. This phrase is commonly used in professional settings where comprehensive understanding is essential.
Example:
“Let me provide some additional context regarding the project timeline. I’ll explain the factors influencing the schedule and any potential impacts on deliverables.”
To give a clearer explanation
“To give a clearer explanation” signifies an intention to offer a more detailed or comprehensive explanation to improve understanding. It implies a commitment to providing information in a straightforward and understandable manner. This phrase is commonly used in various settings, both formal and informal.
Example:
“I’ll give a clearer explanation of the new process during the training session to ensure everyone understands how it works.”
Conclusion:
Incorporating idiomatic expressions like these into your emails can help you convey your message more effectively and make your communication more engaging.
Understanding the nuances of each phrase and using them appropriately can enhance clarity, minimize misunderstandings, and build stronger relationships with your recipients.

I’m Noah Wilson, the test-prep pro at “English WRAP Up.” I’ve been helping students navigate the challenges of TOEFL, IELTS, BULATS, FCE, CAE, and PTEG, making the learning process a whole lot of fun. Over at English WRAP Up, we’re here to make your test prep incredible. Let’s wrap up your English exams with confidence and skill together!