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"Clarify" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "aclarar", and "clear up" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "despejarse". Learn more about the difference between "clarify" and "clear up" below.
clarify(
klehr
-
ih
-
fay
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. aclarar
I find that it clarifies my thoughts if I write things down.Encuentro que el hecho de anotar mis pensamientos los aclara.
b. clarificar
In the negotiations, the British are being asked to clarify their position.En las negociaciones, se les está pidiendo a los británicos que clarifiquen su postura.
2. (culinary)
a. clarificar
Weigh the butter again after clarifying it.Después de clarificarla, pesa la mantequilla de nuevo.
clear up(
klihr
uhp
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (to improve)
a. despejarse
It rained all night and all morning and finally cleared up in the afternoon.Llovió toda la noche y la mañana y por fin se despejó en la tarde.
a. ordenar
Frank, go help your sister clear up in the kitchen.Frank, ve a ayudarle a tu hermana a ordenar la cocina.
a. mejorarse
My cold cleared up after a good hot shower.Mi resfriado se mejoró después de una buena ducha caliente.
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. ordenar
You have to clear up this mess before you can go out and play.Tienes que ordenar este lío antes de salir a jugar.
6. (to resolve)
b. aclarar
Please clear this up for me; I can't see what you meant.Por favor, aclárame esto; no entiendo qué quisiste decir.
c. esclarecer
When Rodney watched the video, it cleared up the confusion he'd had.Cuando Rodney vio el video, esclareció la confusión que había tenido.
