在英语学习中,"clarify" 是一个非常实用的动词,常用于表达“澄清”、“阐明”或“使清楚”的意思。它不仅在日常交流中频繁出现,也在学术写作、商务沟通和正式场合中具有重要地位。掌握 "clarify" 的正确用法和常见搭配,能够帮助我们更准确地表达自己的观点,避免误解。
一、clarify 的基本含义
"Clarify" 的本义是“使清晰”,通常用于描述通过解释、说明或提供更多信息来让某事变得更容易理解。例如:
- Could you clarify what you mean by that?
- The teacher asked the students to clarify their answers.
二、clarify 的常见搭配
1. clarify a point / idea / statement
这是最常见的搭配之一,表示对某个观点、想法或陈述进行澄清。
- Please clarify the point you made earlier.
- I need to clarify my position on this issue.
2. clarify something with someone
表示与某人一起澄清某事,通常用于解决误会或沟通不畅的情况。
- Let’s clarify the details with the client.
- She wanted to clarify her intentions with him.
3. clarify one's position / stance / intention
用于表达自己立场或意图的明确化。
- He clarified his position on the matter.
- It’s important to clarify your intention before making a decision.
4. clarify confusion / misunderstanding
用于消除困惑或误解。
- The manager tried to clarify the confusion among the team.
- We need to clarify any misunderstandings about the project.
三、clarify 的常见句型结构
1. Clarify + 名词(表示要澄清的内容)
- Please clarify the instructions.
- The report needs to clarify several key points.
2. Clarify + 从句(表示澄清的内容)
- Can you clarify whether we should proceed with the plan?
- I’ll clarify how the process works.
3. Be clear / make something clear
虽然不是直接使用 "clarify",但这是它的近义表达方式,常用于强调清晰度。
- The explanation was not clear enough.
- We need to make our goals clear.
四、clarify 的使用场景
1. 日常对话中
在日常交流中,"clarify" 常用于请求对方进一步说明,以确保双方理解一致。
- Could you clarify that for me?
- I’m not sure I understand. Can you clarify?
2. 商务沟通中
在工作场合,"clarify" 是一种专业且礼貌的表达方式,有助于避免信息误差。
- We need to clarify the terms of the contract.
- Please clarify the deadline for submission.
3. 学术写作中
在论文或报告中,使用 "clarify" 可以增强逻辑性和条理性。
- This section aims to clarify the methodology used.
- The author clarifies the relationship between the variables.
五、总结
"Clarify" 是一个功能强大且灵活的动词,适用于多种语境。无论是日常交流、商务沟通还是学术写作,掌握其正确用法和搭配都能显著提升语言表达的准确性与专业性。在实际应用中,可以根据具体情境选择合适的搭配和句型,使表达更加自然流畅。
总之,了解并熟练运用 "clarify",不仅能帮助我们更好地传达信息,也能在人际交往中展现出更高的沟通技巧。