We get it; to do good work, you need clear instructions. So, how should you go about thanking people for taking the time to explain things? Is “thank you for clarifying” appropriate?
In this article, we’ll answer that question by discussing the correctness of the phrase “thank you for clarifying.” Additionally, we’ll provide a list of possible synonyms that you can use instead.
Other Ways to Say “Thank You for Clarifying”
- Appreciate the clarification
- Thanks for spelling that out
- Thank you for elucidating
- Thanks for the additional info
- Thanks for explaining
- Thank you for clearing that up
- Thanks for shedding some light on that
- Thank you for making that clear
- Thank you for illuminating
- Appreciate the specification
- Thank you for simplifying
- Thank you for resolving that
- Thanks for breaking that down
- Thank you for making that plain
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Thank you for clarifying” is grammatically correct and perfectly fine to use in both formal and informal settings.
- You can use “appreciate the clarification” as a formal alternative.
- “Thanks for spelling that out” is a possible informal alternative.
Before you click away! In the next section, we’re going to look at our favorite synonyms for “thank you for clarifying.” Moreover, we’ll provide a few examples using these phrases.
Afterward, we’ll discuss the correctness of “thank you for clarifying.” Is this the most appropriate phrase for formal use?
Appreciate the Clarification (Formal)
If you’re unsure how to say “thank you for clarifying” in an email, give “appreciate the clarification” a go!
This phrase works well for formal settings and can be used when talking to a colleague or superior.
It is a polite response when someone takes the time to explain something unclear.
“Appreciate the clarification” is not a superior alternative to “thank you for clarifying,” but it can be used to diversify your language from time to time, especially in work emails.
Therefore, let’s see how this phrase might be used in an email:
Dear Alec,
I know that you wanted flowers in the front office, but the team isn’t sure if you have a preference between roses and tulips.
Could you let us know by the end of the day?
We would appreciate the clarification.
All the best,
Carlisle
Thanks for Spelling That Out (Informal)
Our top pick out of the informal variants of “thank you for clarifying” is “thanks for spelling that out.”
This is a more colloquial version of “thank you for clarifying.” While “thank you for clarifying” is more suitable in work emails, “thanks for spelling that out” is perfectly fine for more casual conversations.
We wouldn’t recommend using this in a formal setting for two reasons. Firstly “thanks” can sometimes come across as rude in formal circumstances. Secondly, the phrase “thanks for spelling that out” can be used sarcastically from time to time.
For that reason, it’s best to avoid it in professional emails, as you don’t want to risk the wrong tone coming across!
Nevertheless, if you’re in an informal setting, “thanks for spelling that out” can be used in the following way:
Person 1: It’s much simpler if you organize the books by color and alphabetically since the children have a color-schemed book list.
Person 2: Oh, I see! Thanks for spelling that out, Anne.
Is It Correct to Say “Thank You for Clarifying”?
Sure, our synonyms will help you mix up your language from time to time, but that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with using “thank you for clarifying” instead.
The phrase is completely grammatically correct, and you can use it at work in your email communications or in your regular, informal conversations.
If you prefer this phrase and are looking for some slight variations to use in your emails, look no further:
- Thank you for clarifying the situation
- Thanks for clarifying my concern
- Thank you for the clarification
In conclusion, “thank you for clarifying” is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal use.
If you’d like to reduce repetition in your emails, bookmark this page so you always have our list of synonyms at your disposal!