Clarification is a great way to make sure two people are on the same page. If you don’t clarify information in an email, you could cause problems later down the line.
So, is “just to clarify” the best phrase to use in an email? This article will explore alternatives to show you other polite options.
Is It Polite to Say “Just to Clarify”?
It is polite to say “just to clarify,” but it is unprofessional. You should avoid using it in formal emails because it comes across as a bit too informal.
Don’t worry; it is not rude. There’s nothing wrong with using it in most written cases. However, it simply doesn’t convey the appropriate tone in most professional emails.
Here is an example of how it works:
Just to clarify, I believe we must work on this task to complete it by Friday.
Pros
- It’s useful when clarifying information with someone else.
- It’s very informal, making it suitable in most conversational contexts.
Cons
- You cannot use it in professional emails.
- It comes across as too casual because it uses “just.”
Unfortunately, “just to clarify” isn’t the most appropriate phrase in formal emails. However, you have options. There are plenty of synonyms available to try.
Keep reading to learn how to say “just to clarify” politely. We’ve got some great alternatives to mix things up.
What to Say Instead of “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
1. To Clarify
Another way to say “just to clarify” is “to clarify.” Okay, that might seem a bit obvious at first glance, but bear with us.
Removing “just” completely changes the formality of the phrase. You can write “to clarify” to sound formal and respectful when sharing information with a recipient.
Generally, it works best when emailing employees. It shows that you have something to share with them to ensure they’re on the same page as you and understand what to expect.
You can also refer to this email example:
Dear Brian,
To clarify, we will host this event on Monday instead of Tuesday. Thank you so much for helping us to do this.
All the best,
Mr. Bridges
2. By Way of Clarification
If you’re trying to sound as professional as possible, you can write “by way of clarification.”
It’s a great (yet impersonal) way to clear up some information between you and the recipient.
Of course, since it’s so impersonal, it works best when emailing employees you don’t know very well. It shows you don’t have a friendly working relationship and simply need to share some information with them.
Check out this email sample if you’re still unsure:
Dear Solomon,
By way of clarification with you, I have attached the document in question. Please review it and respond as soon as possible.
Thank you so much,
Carlo Martins
3. To Clear Up
You may also use “to clear up” as a formal synonym for “just to clarify.”
It shows that you have to add some more information to an email to ensure that someone understands what you’re talking about.
For instance, you may write “to clear up” when emailing coworkers. It shows you have something to share with them that they might not already know about.
It’s always worth trying to clear up any confusion someone might have. Even if they already knew the information, you’re still better off checking.
This sample email should also help you with it:
Dear Stuart,
To clear up any confusion, it is my understanding that we will work on this separately at first. Does that make sense to you?
Yours,
Jonathan Parish
4. To Make It Clear
Another great synonym for “just to clarify” is “to make it clear.” It immediately shares your intention with the recipient before continuing with your email.
We recommend using it when you have to clarify some information before things get too confusing between parties.
For instance, you may use it when emailing clients. It shows that you want everyone to be on the same page before you progress with any projects or meetings.
You can also refer to the following:
Dear Ms. Market,
To make it clear, I have attached the plan to this email. It will help if you read through the ideas before replying to me.
Kind regards,
Doris Weather
5. If It’s Not Already Clear
Generally, you can write “if it’s not already clear” when sharing information that someone might already know.
It’s worth using this in some business emails because it shows that you don’t want to assume that someone hasn’t already heard about something.
For instance, you can write “if it’s not already clear” when emailing coworkers. Perhaps you heard something from your boss about a meeting. You may relay whatever you hear to your colleagues to ensure they know the plans.
Here’s a great email sample to explain more about it:
Dear Jessica,
If it’s not already clear, we will be meeting on Friday with the rest of the board. We must attend.
Kind regards,
Mathew McAdams
6. To Ensure We’re on the Same Page
A great formal alternative here is “to ensure we’re on the same page.” It works really well when checking whether someone has the same information as you.
If you are on the “same page” as someone, it means you understand each other. For example, you may want to be on the same page with your coworkers when working on a team project.
So, this one works best when emailing coworkers. It shows that you want them to understand where you’re coming from, especially if you’re working on something together.
This email example will also help you understand it better:
Dear Benjamin,
To ensure we’re on the same page, I have attached the document with the amended rules. Please review it immediately.
All the best,
Zeus Brody
7. To Sum Up
Summaries are a great way to clear up any confusion. So, a phrase like “to sum up” goes a long way in a formal email.
It shows that you’re willing to summarize everything that you’ve spoken about in an email to ensure that everyone understands what to expect.
For instance, you may use “to sum up” when emailing an employee. If you’re about to have a business meeting with them and a new client, it’s wise to sum up all the relevant points to ensure they know what they’re doing.
Perhaps this example will help you as well:
Dear Katie,
To sum up, we will be meeting with the new client on Tuesday. So, I would like you to review the presentation material.
Thank you so much,
Mr. Freeman
8. In Summary
Another great way to summarize things before moving forward is with “in summary.”
You can use it instead of “just to clarify” at the start of an email. It’s polite, formal, and direct. So, it works well to get your points across quickly.
You may use it when emailing employees. It’s a great way to let them know what to expect from meeting plans. If they’ve been asking questions, “in summary” will allow you to answer all the relevant ones to ensure they know what they’re doing.
Also, review this example:
Dear Timothy,
In summary, Friday is the only day we can do this. So, you must attend. Otherwise, things won’t go according to plan.
Yours,
David Wall
9. So You’re Aware
Perhaps you want a slightly more informal option that still works better than “just to clarify.” You may use “so you’re aware” to clarify important information with friendly recipients.
You can use it when emailing coworkers.
Generally, you should have a good working relationship with someone before using a phrase like this. As long as you have that, it’s a great way to introduce all your points and ensure you and your coworker understand what comes next.
Here’s a great example if you’re still unsure:
Dear Craig,
So you’re aware, I have spoken to Michael and Evie. They both agree that we should continue with the product development.
Kind regards,
Missy Goldblum
10. So You Know
“So you know” also shows you what to say instead of “just to clarify.” It works really well when emailing coworkers, as it’s a slightly more conversational phrase to use.
We recommend using it when you’d like to share relevant information with someone you work with. It’s a great way to highly something briefly (it may or may not be important, depending on the context).
Check out this email sample as well:
Dear William,
So you know, I have changed a few things about the project. I have attached a file to explain what these are for you.
Kind regards,
Georgia Dickinson