Cool MateClarify vs Specify
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Clarify
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Specify
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most common: Clarify
| Clarify | Specify | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈklærəfaɪ/","/ˈklærəfaɪz/","/ˈklærəfaɪd/","/ˈklærəfaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈklærəfaɪ/","/ˈklærəfaɪz/","/ˈklærəfaɪd/","/ˈklærəfaɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈspesɪfaɪ/","/ˈspesɪfaɪz/","/ˈspesɪfaɪd/","/ˈspesɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈspesɪfaɪ/","/ˈspesɪfaɪz/","/ˈspesɪfaɪd/","/ˈspesɪfaɪɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To make something clear or easy to understand. | To say exactly what you mean. |
| Example | I need you to clarify your instructions so that everyone understands the task. | Remember to specify your size when ordering clothes. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | fully, exactly, further, attempt to, seek to, try to | clearly, fully, carefully, allow somebody to, require somebody to, be difficult to |
| Antonyms | confuse, muddle, obscure | vague, generalize |
| 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. | Using 'specification' instead of 'specify'., Confusing 'specify' with 'identify'., Omitting the object when using 'specify'. |
| 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. | Use 'specify' when you want to give detailed information. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, especially in formal situations. Avoid in very casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Clarify vs Specify
What's the difference between Clarify and Specify?
Clarify: To make something clear or easy to understand. Specify: To say exactly what you mean.
Which is more common: Clarify and Specify?
Clarify is the most common in everyday English.
Are Clarify and Specify the same CEFR level?
Clarify: B2, Specify: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Clarify and Specify?
Clarify: verb, Specify: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Clarify: I need you to clarify your instructions so that everyone understands the task. Specify: Remember to specify your size when ordering clothes.
Can I use Clarify and Specify interchangeably?
Not always. Clarify and Specify 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.