To make perfectly clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To make perfectly clear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize clarity or ensure that a point is understood without ambiguity. Example: "To make perfectly clear, our deadline for submissions is next Friday at 5 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That's a message I want to make perfectly clear".

The New York Times

I just wanted to make perfectly clear to the Tribunal that you told us that you did remember "Auschwitz" and it had such a meaning for you that you remembered it as late as after the surrender of Germany.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

She and Kaine must make perfectly clear to him why they have changed their minds about the TPP, and why he must as well.

Huffington Post

Geometry is much less forgiving of approximation, as the frustrations of inaccurate street maps make perfectly clear.

eLife

What needs to be made perfectly clear is that it's not just, or even primarily, employees who object to the councilmen's budget priorities.

Los Angeles Times

"Fans deserve a clear statement on the position from the club on what has been happening and Malky's position needs to be made perfectly clear".

BBC

However, one thing that needs to be made perfectly clear is that we are NOT ALL from Mexico.

Huffington Post

"I want to make that perfectly clear.

The New York Times - Sports

I'd like to make that perfectly clear.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I want to make this perfectly clear: Did I have a concussion fighting?

The New York Times - Sports

And just to make things perfectly clear, there are plenty of fireworks festivities planned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "To make perfectly clear" when you want to eliminate any ambiguity and ensure your message is understood without question.

Common error

Avoid using "To make perfectly clear" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or even condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "To make perfectly clear" functions as a discourse marker or a sentence opener. It serves to introduce a statement that the speaker or writer wants to be understood without any ambiguity or misunderstanding. Ludwig AI highlights its use in various contexts, emphasizing its role in ensuring clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "To make perfectly clear" is a grammatically correct and functional tool for emphasizing key points and eliminating ambiguity in communication. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, with a tendency towards news, media, and academic writing. While useful for clarity, it should be used judiciously, especially in informal settings where its formality might be out of place. Alternative phrases such as "to clarify" or "to be clear" may be more appropriate in those contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To clarify

This alternative is more concise and direct, suitable for situations where emphasis isn't the primary goal.

To be clear

This option is a simplified version, which may lack the original phrase's forcefulness.

Let me be clear

The alternative emphasizes the speaker's intention to express something plainly.

For the avoidance of doubt

This phrase is formal and often used in legal or official contexts to prevent misinterpretations.

In other words

This phrase is used to rephrase something, aiming for better understanding.

To put it simply

This option is used to express something in a straightforward and uncomplicated manner.

I want to emphasize

The alternative is more focused on highlighting the importance of something.

Let's get one thing straight

This phrase is used to establish a clear understanding of a particular matter, typically in a forceful way.

I want to stress

This option is used to draw attention to something considered very important.

To reiterate

This phrase is used when repeating a point for emphasis or clarification.

FAQs

How can I use "To make perfectly clear" in a sentence?

You can use "To make perfectly clear" to introduce a statement that you want to be understood without any ambiguity. For example, "To make perfectly clear, our deadline for submissions is next Friday at 5 PM."

What are some alternatives to "To make perfectly clear"?

You can use alternatives like "to clarify", "to be clear", or "let me be clear" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "To make perfectly clear" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "To make perfectly clear" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to emphasize a point and eliminate any potential for misunderstanding. However, consider context; excessive use can sound overly assertive.

What's the difference between "To make perfectly clear" and "To clarify"?

"To make perfectly clear" carries a stronger emphasis on eliminating doubt and ensuring complete understanding. "To clarify" is more general and simply suggests providing additional explanation to improve understanding.