Cool MateClarify vs Let's break it down
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clarify
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Let's break it down
InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: ClarifyMost common: Clarify
| Clarify | Let's break it down | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈklærəfaɪ/","/ˈklærəfaɪz/","/ˈklærəfaɪd/","/ˈklærəfaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈklærəfaɪ/","/ˈklærəfaɪz/","/ˈklærəfaɪd/","/ˈklærəfaɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛts breɪk ɪt daʊn//🇺🇸 //lɛts breɪk ɪt daʊn// |
| Meaning | To make something clear or easy to understand. | Let's analyze this step by step. |
| Example | I need you to clarify your instructions so that everyone understands the task. | Let's break it down to understand the core principles involved. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | fully, exactly, further, attempt to, seek to, try to | break it down into parts, break it down step by step, let's break it down further |
| Antonyms | confuse, muddle, obscure | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Clear' is sometimes incorrectly used instead of 'clarify.', Confusing 'clarify' with 'intensify' because they sound similar., Using 'clarify' as a noun instead of a verb. | Misuse in formal contexts, making it sound unprofessional., Incorrectly using it as 'let's break it up,' which changes the meaning., Overusing in minor discussions where detailed analysis isn't needed. |
| Usage notes | Use 'clarify' when you want to make something more understandable. It's appropriate in both written and spoken contexts. Avoid using it in very casual conversations where simpler words would suffice. | Used in casual conversation or collaboration to explain complex ideas in simpler parts. Avoid in formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Clarify vs Let's break it down
What's the difference between Clarify and Let's break it down?
Clarify: To make something clear or easy to understand. Let's break it down: Let's analyze this step by step.
Which is more formal: Clarify and Let's break it down?
Clarify is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Clarify and Let's break it down?
Clarify is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Clarify: I need you to clarify your instructions so that everyone understands the task. Let's break it down: Let's break it down to understand the core principles involved.
Can I use Clarify and Let's break it down interchangeably?
Not always. Clarify and Let's break it down are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.