You might be just about to include “just to clarify” in a formal email. But is it effective as a formal phrase?
Luckily, we’re here to help!
In this article, we will explain all there is to know about how to say “just to clarify” politely and professionally.
Other Ways to Say “Just to Clarify”
- To confirm
- Just to make sure
- To clarify
- To check
- Just checking
- Are you sure?
- As long as we’re certain
- Just to say
- As a quick note
- To verify
- To ensure we’re on the same page
- On that note
- Further to
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Just to clarify” is suitable and correct in informal contexts, but it’s not all that effective formally.
- You should try “to confirm” as a formal alternative, as it shows confidence and a professional tone.
- “Just to make sure” is an equally effective informal synonym for “just to clarify” allowing you to change it up between the two.
We aren’t stopping there, though! Keep reading to learn more about the best options. Knowing the alternatives is great, but breaking them down and providing examples is better!
Also, we recommend reading the final section if you came here to learn whether “just to clarify” is rude. It would help to know that before including it in a formal email.
To Confirm (Formal)
“To confirm” is a much better formal alternative to “just to clarify.” It removes “just” from the phrase, which is the biggest problem when dealing with informality.
You can use “to confirm” to finalize details and ensure you agree with someone. It works well in an email because it shows you’re interested in the final facts above all else.
You’ll find “to confirm” most useful when setting up meetings with colleagues. “To confirm” will check the timings with them to ensure you can both meet according to the agreed-upon details.
We certainly recommend using “to confirm” over “just to clarify” in any business situation. “To confirm” is much better in emails because it shows you are confident, clear, and willing to make the final arrangements.
Here are a few email samples to help you:
Dear Toni,
To confirm, you will be arriving at five for the business trip. Is that correct?
Yours,
Jon
Dear Walter,
I’m writing to confirm that you can make it on Thursday. You don’t have any problems with it, do you?
Kind regards,
Bennett
Just to Make Sure (Informal)
If you want a more informal synonym, try “just to make sure.” It is on par with “just to clarify,” making both terms effective when writing in more conversational situations. You can use both phrases to mix up your language a bit.
“Make sure” and “clarify” are interchangeable. You can use either one after “just to” to check details with someone before arranging a final date or time for a meeting.
A phrase like this will work best when setting up plans with friends. “Just to make sure” is the final check you’ll make with a friend to confirm the time, venue, and general plan.
You should not use “just to make sure” instead of any formal alternative. Just like “just to clarify,” it does not work well in business emails.
Check these examples out for more information:
Just to make sure, you don’t have any issues with meeting at the Italian place, do you?
Just to make sure, there aren’t any other things you need to go through, right? We’ve done everything.
Is It Rude to Say “Just to Clarify”?
“Just to clarify” is not rude but is better suited to informal contexts.
Including “just” in the phrase makes it more conversational, meaning that it works better with friends or close colleagues.
You won’t often see “just to clarify” used in formal contexts. The only time it appears formally is if you are friendly with your coworkers or boss and know they don’t mind informal tones.
If in doubt, we encourage avoiding the use of “just to clarify” formally and any variations. Here are some variations that might be better conversationally:
- Just to clarify that
- Just to clarify my understanding
- To clarify with you
- Just to clarify things
- Just to clarify myself
- For clarification
“Just” is the biggest problem with the phrase. Removing “just” makes it slightly more formal, making you seem more professional.
If you have any questions later down the line, you can always return! Just bookmark this page if you want to come back to it!