من المفيد التوضيح
min al-mufid al-tawdih
It is useful to clarify
Literally: From the useful the clarification
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to introduce a clarification or extra detail.
- Best used in professional or serious social contexts.
- Helps prevent misunderstandings and shows high-level language command.
Meaning
This phrase is a polite and professional way to introduce a clarification. It helps you clear up potential misunderstandings before they happen, making you sound thoughtful and precise.
Key Examples
3 of 7In a business meeting about a project deadline
من المفيد التوضيح أن الموعد النهائي هو يوم الخميس.
It is useful to clarify that the deadline is Thursday.
Texting a friend about a joke they might have missed
من المفيد التوضيح أنني كنت أمزح فقط!
It is useful to clarify that I was only joking!
Explaining a food allergy at a restaurant
من المفيد التوضيح أن لدي حساسية من المكسرات.
It is useful to clarify that I have a nut allergy.
Cultural Background
In the Gulf, indirectness is a sign of respect. Using 'Min al-mufid' allows you to correct a superior without causing them to lose face in front of others. In Lebanon and Jordan, this phrase is often used in debates to show intellectual rigor. It signals that the speaker is paying close attention to definitions. Egyptian news anchors use this phrase to transition from a guest's emotional statement to a factual clarification. In Morocco and Tunisia, where French is common, this phrase is the direct 'Arabization' of 'Il convient de préciser', used in official documents.
The 'An' Connection
Always follow this phrase with 'أن' (anna) + a noun or pronoun to sound most natural.
Don't Overuse
If you use it every two minutes, you will sound like a politician avoiding a question. Use it once or twice per meeting.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to introduce a clarification or extra detail.
- Best used in professional or serious social contexts.
- Helps prevent misunderstandings and shows high-level language command.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a linguistic bridge. It connects what you just said to a deeper explanation. It is not just about giving facts. It is about being considerate of your listener. You are basically saying, "I want to make sure we are on the same page." It removes the guesswork from the conversation. It makes you sound like a clear thinker.
How To Use It
You usually put this at the very beginning of a sentence. It acts as a soft buffer. After saying من المفيد التوضيح, you almost always follow it with the word أن (that). For example: من المفيد التوضيح أن... (It is useful to clarify that...). You can use it in writing or speaking. It works beautifully in emails to avoid long back-and-forth threads.
When To Use It
Use this in professional settings like meetings or interviews. It is perfect when you realize your previous point might be confusing. Use it when giving instructions to someone. It is also great when you are texting a friend about plans. If you think they might misinterpret your tone, drop this in. It shows you care about being understood. It is a hallmark of a sophisticated, C1-level speaker.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very high-intensity emotional moments. If you are arguing with a partner, it might sound too clinical. It can feel like you are lecturing them. Also, do not use it for very obvious things. If you say, "It is useful to clarify that the sun is hot," you will get some weird looks. Keep it for nuanced points. Do not use it in slang-heavy street talk. It will make you sound like a textbook.
Cultural Background
Arabic culture places a high value on eloquence and avoiding fitna (misunderstanding or discord). Being clear is seen as a sign of respect. Historically, Arabic rhetoric focuses on Bayan (clarity). This phrase reflects that value. It shows you are taking responsibility for the communication. It is a very "safe" phrase that keeps social harmony intact.
Common Variations
You might hear للتوضيح فقط (Just for clarification). This is a bit shorter and more direct. Another one is من الأفضل أن نوضح (It is better that we clarify). This version is more collaborative. If you want to be very formal, you could say يُجدر بنا التوضيح (It is worth our while to clarify). All of these aim for the same goal: total transparency.
Usage Notes
This is a C1-level phrase because it requires an understanding of social nuance. It is perfectly suited for professional environments, academic writing, and polite social discourse.
The 'An' Connection
Always follow this phrase with 'أن' (anna) + a noun or pronoun to sound most natural.
Don't Overuse
If you use it every two minutes, you will sound like a politician avoiding a question. Use it once or twice per meeting.
Body Language
When saying this, a slight lean forward and a small hand gesture (palm up) reinforces the 'utility' aspect.
Examples
7من المفيد التوضيح أن الموعد النهائي هو يوم الخميس.
It is useful to clarify that the deadline is Thursday.
Sets clear expectations in a professional way.
من المفيد التوضيح أنني كنت أمزح فقط!
It is useful to clarify that I was only joking!
Prevents a social awkwardness over text.
من المفيد التوضيح أن لدي حساسية من المكسرات.
It is useful to clarify that I have a nut allergy.
Crucial information delivered clearly.
من المفيد التوضيح أنني لست غاضباً، بل متعب فقط.
It is useful to clarify that I am not angry, just tired.
Softens the message and avoids conflict.
من المفيد التوضيح أن هذا السعر لا يشمل الضريبة.
It is useful to clarify that this price does not include tax.
Professional and factual.
من المفيد التوضيح أن مهاراتي في الطبخ تنتهي عند سلق البيض.
It is useful to clarify that my cooking skills end at boiling eggs.
Uses a formal structure for a funny, humble effect.
من المفيد التوضيح أن الطريق مغلق حالياً بسبب الأشغال.
It is useful to clarify that the road is currently closed due to works.
Helpful and informative.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct word.
من ___ التوضيح أن الاجتماع سيبدأ في الساعة العاشرة.
We need the active participle 'Al-Mufid' to complete the fixed expression.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal email to a client?
You want to tell a client that the delivery date has changed.
This is the most professional and polite way to deliver potentially disappointing news.
Match the Arabic phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Direct translation of the key phrases.
Complete the dialogue in a professional manner.
مدير: لماذا لم تنتهِ من التقرير؟ موظف: ________ أنني كنت أنتظر البيانات من القسم الآخر.
This allows the employee to provide a valid reason without sounding like they are making excuses.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesمن ___ التوضيح أن الاجتماع سيبدأ في الساعة العاشرة.
We need the active participle 'Al-Mufid' to complete the fixed expression.
You want to tell a client that the delivery date has changed.
This is the most professional and polite way to deliver potentially disappointing news.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translation of the key phrases.
مدير: لماذا لم تنتهِ من التقرير؟ موظف: ________ أنني كنت أنتظر البيانات من القسم الآخر.
This allows the employee to provide a valid reason without sounding like they are making excuses.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsRarely. In dialects, people say 'عشان أوضح لك' (Ashan awaddih lak) or 'بدي أوضح' (Baddi awaddih). This phrase is strictly for formal MSA contexts.
Yes! It's a great way to set the stage. 'Before we begin, it is useful to clarify our agenda...'
'Tawdih' is more common in modern speech. 'Idah' is slightly more formal/archaic but means the same thing.
Yes, in almost all contexts. It comes from 'Faidah' (benefit).
Yes, if you want to say 'It is not useful to clarify [because it's already obvious or irrelevant].' It's quite a strong statement.
Related Phrases
تجدر الإشارة إلى
similarIt is worth pointing out
للتوضيح فقط
specialized formJust for clarification
بكل وضوح
builds onWith all clarity / Clearly
غموض
contrastAmbiguity / Vague
