What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
refine
Example
The chef refined the recipe to make it more flavorful. [refined: past tense]
Example
The company is constantly refining their product to meet customer needs. [refining: present participle]
clarify
Example
Can you clarify what you mean by that statement? [clarify: verb]
Example
The teacher clarified the instructions for the assignment. [clarified: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clarify is more commonly used than refine in everyday language. Clarify is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while refine is less common and is typically used in technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between refine and clarify?
While refine is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, clarify is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
