Let me be clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Let me be clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize a point or clarify your message to ensure understanding. Example: "Let me be clear, our deadline for this project is next Friday, and there will be no extensions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Let me be clear.

The New York Times

"Let me be clear," he said.

The New York Times

"Let me be clear," Mr. Bloomberg said.

The New York Times

"Let me be clear," Kaplan told me.

The New Yorker

"Let me be clear," D'Brickishaw Ferguson said.

The New York Times

"Let me be clear," Mr. Cantor said.

The New York Times

Let me be clear, though.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let me be clear here.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let me be clear about this..

The New York Times - Books

Let me be clear: they did not.

The Guardian

"Let me be clear," Stowell said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal settings, consider using alternatives like "Allow me to clarify" for a slightly more polished tone.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "Let me be clear". Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your introductory phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Let me be clear" serves as a discourse marker. Its primary function is to signal to the audience that the speaker or writer intends to eliminate any potential ambiguity or misunderstanding regarding the point they are about to make. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Let me be clear" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize and clarify a point, commonly found in news, media, and formal business contexts. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While it's effective for ensuring understanding, overuse can diminish its impact. Consider alternative phrases like "allow me to clarify" or "to be precise" to add variety to your writing and speech. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Allow me to clarify

Replaces 'let' with 'allow', offering a slightly more formal tone.

I want to emphasize

Highlights the importance of the following statement.

Let's make it clear

Shifts the focus to a collective clarification.

For the avoidance of doubt

A formal way to prevent any potential misunderstanding.

I must stress

Emphasizes the importance of the subsequent information.

To be precise

Focuses on accuracy and detail in the explanation.

So that there is no misunderstanding

Explicitly states the intention to prevent confusion.

In other words

Indicates a rephrasing of a previous statement for better understanding.

For clarity's sake

Indicates that the following statement is intended to improve understanding.

To put it simply

Suggests a simplification of a complex idea.

FAQs

How can I use "Let me be clear" in a sentence?

You can use "Let me be clear" to introduce a statement you want to emphasize or clarify, such as "Let me be clear, this is non-negotiable."

What are some alternatives to "Let me be clear"?

Some alternatives include "allow me to clarify", "to be precise", or "I want to emphasize", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "Let me be clear"?

It's appropriate to use "Let me be clear" when you need to remove any ambiguity and ensure your audience understands a critical point. It's often used in formal or professional settings.

Is "Let me be clear" too informal for professional communication?

While "Let me be clear" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "for the avoidance of doubt" or "allow me to clarify" may be more suitable in certain professional contexts.