"to clarify" vs "to be clarified"

Question

"to clarify" vs "to be clarified"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'To be clarified' is passive voice and is used when the subject is receiving the action of being clarified. 'To clarify' is active voice and is used when the subject is the one doing the action of clarifying.

Last Updated: April 01, 2024

This phrase is used when the subject is the one doing the action of clarifying. It is often used in active voice constructions.

Examples:

I need to clarify the instructions before we can proceed.
She clarified the situation for us.
The team clarified the details of the project.
He clarified the reasons for his decision.
The teacher clarified the rules for the students.

Alternatives:

make clear
explain
elaborate

This phrase is used when the subject is receiving the action of being clarified. It is often used in passive voice constructions.

Examples:

The instructions need to be clarified before we can proceed.
The situation will be clarified once we have all the information.
The details are still to be clarified by the team.
The reasons for the decision are yet to be clarified.
The rules have to be clarified for everyone to understand.

Alternatives:

needs clarification
requires clarification
is unclear

Answer 1

to clarify

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in active voice constructions.

Answer 2

to be clarified

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, especially in passive voice constructions.