Clarification is one of the best ways through which it can be ensured that two individuals are on the same wavelength. Failure to specify details in emails could lead you into trouble after some time.
Is, therefore, “just to clarify” the correct phrase to use when writing an email?
In this article, we will discuss other options so that you can get various polite choices.
Is It Okay to Say “Just to Clarify?”
Unfortunately saying “just to clarify,” is a politely expression, but it lacks professional tone. Though it is correct, you should avoid using it in official emails as it looks slightly informal.
It is not offensive. It is not bad to use it in general, most written cases. But it just does not have the right tone for most professional emails.
See how does it work:
Just to clarify,, I think we have to do this assignment in order to finish it on Friday.
Advantages
- It’s particularly helpful when providing information to another person.
- It is quite informal hence suitable in most conversations accepted.
Disadvantages
- It is not appropriate for use in business emails.
- It sounds too informal since it employs “just.”
Sadly, the phrase “just to clarify” is not very fitting for official emails. However, you have options. The list of synonyms is long enough to start testing some.
Read more to find out what the polite version of “just to clarify” looks like. We have some really cool and casual substitutes lined up.
Other Ways to Say “Just to Clarify”
- To clarify
- By way of clarification
- To clear up
- To make it clear
- If it’s not already clear
- To ensure we’re on the same page
- To sum up
- In summary
- So you’re aware
- So you know
- To Confirm
1. To Clarify
A variant of the phrase “just to clarify” is “to clarify.” I know it sounds too straight forward on its face but wait for us.
You can use “to clarify” if you feel like that sounds more formally or respectful, when providing information for a recipient. If ‘just’ was removal from the sentence completely is shape of this phrase
Particularly, it is most effective when emailing worker. It provides evidence that you have something to give them in their understanding of what they’re supposed
Alternatively, you may use this sample email:
Dear Brian,
To clarify, we will hold the event on Monday rather than Tuesday. Many thanks for your support.
All the best,
Mr. Bridges
2. By Way of Clarification
You can also write “by way of clarification.” when you wish to sound appropriately formal.
It’s an efficient (though distant) approach to clarify a few affairs between you and the addressee.
Since it is so formal, though, functioning well when reaching out to employees who are not that familiar with you. It indicates that you do not have friendly working terms and only require communication to pass information across.
If you are still undecided, please look at this email sample:
Dear Solomon,
By way of clarification with you, I have included the document in question. Please reconsider and answer as soon as possible.
Thank you so much,
Carlo Mart
3. To Clear Up
You may also use “to clarify” as a formal equivalent for “to clear up”.
This indicates that one needs to give more details in an email for another person to be able..
For instance, when emailing colleagues you may use the expression “to clarify”. This illustrates that you have something to tell them which they may not be aware of yet.
It is always a good idea to eliminate ambiguities that may have arisen due to confusion. Even if they had already been informed of the information, it is still advisable to cross check.
This template email should also assist you with it:
Dear Stuart,
To clear up any misunderstanding, it seems we will do this independently in the beginning. Is that clear to you?
Yours,
Jonathan Par
4. To Make It Clear
Another perfect substitute for “just to clarify” is “to make it clear.” It gives shot by telling the reader of your intentions before proceeding with any other point in a paragraph or an email.
We advise using it if you have to provide some clarifications so that people do not get confused during the discussion between them.
For example, you can send emails to clients using it. It proves that you desire everyone’s alignment before starting any projects or meetings.
Alternatively, you can mention the below:
Dear Ms. Market,
To make it clear, I have included the plan in this email. That way, you can go through the ideas before responding to me.
Kind regards,
Doris Weath
5. If It’s Not Already Clear
Usually, you can use the phrase “if it’s not already clear” to tell someone something that may be known by him or her.
This becomes handy on some business emails since it indicates that one doesn’t want to presume a person has not heard about something.
For example, you can state “if it’s not already clear” in your email communication with fellow employees. Maybe you got some news from your boss regarding a meeting. You can pass on whatever you hear to your peers so they are aware of the plans.
Here is a great email sample to go into more detail about it:
Dear Jessica,
If it’s not already clear, we will be meeting on Friday with the whole board. We must attend.
Kind regards,
Mathew McAdams
6. To Ensure We’re on the Same Page
A preferable formal option here is “to ensure we’re on the same page.” It works excellently when verifying whether someone has a shared set of facts with you.
If you are on the “same page” as somebody, it means that they understand. For instance, you may wish to be as a group.
This works best in emailing coworkers. It reveals that you want them to appreciate where you are coming from, especially if working jointly.
This example of an email will also aid in understanding it better:
Dear Benjamin,
To ensure we’re on the same page, I have attached a document with amended rules. Please review it immediately.
All the best,
Zeus Brody
7. To Sum Up
Summaries are an effective means of clarity. Thus, a statement like “to sum up” helps go quite far in the context of an official email.
It means that you are ready to summarize everything discussed in your email so people know what awaits them.
For example, you can use “to sum up” when sending correspondence to an employee. If you’re about to have a business meeting with them and new clients, it can help if one takes time basically summing up all the key points.
Hopefully, this case will also benefit you.
Dear Kati,
To sum up, we will have an appointment with the new client on Tuesday. Thus, please check the presentation content.
Thank you so much,
Mr. Freedom
8. In Summary
Another better way to sum things up before continuing is through the use of “in summary”.
It may take the place of “just to clarify”, which is a formal, polite and direct variation. Therefore, it does a good job of delivering your points in quick fashion.
You can apply it when sending emails to employees. That’s a great way to prepare them for meeting etiquette. If they have been asking questions, by saying “in summary”, you can answer all the relevant ones to ensure that they understand what is at hand.
Also, review this example:
Dear Timothy,
In summary, Friday is the only day we can do it. So, you must attend. Otherwise, it will not work out right.
Yours,
David Wall
9. So You’re Aware
Perhaps you prefer something a bit less formal yet still much better than ‘just to clarify.’ While talking with friendly audiences on significant information, use so that people are made aware.
Employees may use it when sending emails to each other.
In general, you should be on good terms with someone first before using such a statement. With that, it is a good opportunity to bring up all your points and for you both clearly understand what follows.
This is a good illustration if you are still not sure:
Dear Craig,
So you’re aware, I have talked to Michael and Evie. They both agree to continue with the product development.
Kind regards,
Missy Gold
10. So You Know
“So you know” it is also an indication of what should be said instead of “just to clarify.” It works better when talking with coworkers, as using a slightly more colloquial phrase tends to suit the situation well.
We suggest that you use it in cases where one needs to pass information relevant for a workmate. This is a wonderful device to stress something briefly (whether it does or not depends on the context).
Please also view this email example:
Dear William,
So you know, I have made some modifications to the project. I have provided a file to describe them for you.
Kind regards,
Georgia Dick
11. To Confirm
The more formal alternative to “just to clarify” is the phrase “to confirm,” which removes “just” from it because this word seems awkward when used in formality.
You can use “to confirm” to close the details and ensure that you’re in agreement with someone. It works well on an e-mail because it demonstrates how keen indeed are of specifics than anything else will be your interest.
For the sake of confirming dates for business meetings with colleagues, “to confirm” will assist you in determining if your schedules coincide as agreed.
We most definitely suggest the utilization of “to confirm” rather than ‘just for clarify’ in any business scenario. “ To confirm” is a lot better in an email because it implies that you are confident, focused and ready to finalize the details.
Here are some email samples to assist you:
Dear Joni,
To confirm, You will be here at five o’ clock for the business trip Is that correct?
Yours,
Don
