a clean bill of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clean bill of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or something has been given a certificate of approval or has passed an inspection or evaluation. Example: "After the thorough inspection, the building received a clean bill of health from the safety inspector."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A clean bill of health.

Princeton University

I have a clean bill of health".

The Guardian

"It's, like, a clean bill of health.

The New York Times - Magazine

declaring a clean bill of health.

The Guardian - Money

– with a clean bill of health.

The Washington Post

Most important, he had a clean bill of health.

The New York Times

The Canadian design has a clean bill of health.

The Economist

The cardiologist gave his heart a clean bill of health.

The New York Times - Magazine

The rest were given a clean bill of health.

The New York Times

Doesn't this mean a clean bill of health?

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The FLA report, expected soon, is unlikely to give Apple a clean bill of health.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clean bill of" to succinctly convey that something or someone has been thoroughly assessed and found to be in satisfactory condition. For example, a doctor might give a patient "a clean bill of" health after a checkup.

Common error

Avoid using "a clean bill of" for situations where only partial approval is given. This phrase implies comprehensive clearance, not just meeting minimum requirements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clean bill of" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. It signifies a declaration of soundness or approval, as supported by Ludwig's examples showing its use to describe health, investigations, and even financial accounts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

8%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a clean bill of" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies approval or a declaration of soundness, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it serves to inform and assure. While its usage is generally straightforward, it's important to remember that it implies complete clearance, not conditional approval. When writing, bear in mind that "a clean bill of" is appropriate when referring to something which has been comprehensively assessed and meets the desired standards.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Certificate of good health

Focuses specifically on health status, implying formal documentation.

Given the all-clear

Implies permission or authorization to proceed, often after a period of uncertainty.

Passed inspection

Highlights successful completion of a formal assessment process.

Received approval

Emphasizes the act of being officially sanctioned or endorsed.

Given a positive review

Focuses on an evaluation result, indicating satisfaction or commendation.

Declared fit

Stresses the condition of being suitable or qualified for a specific purpose.

Given the green light

Indicates permission to start or continue a project or activity.

Cleared for takeoff

Analogous to the aviation domain, means authorized and ready to begin.

Certified safe

Emphasizes the safety aspect, ensuring no potential dangers exist.

Passed with flying colors

Implies exceptional performance or achievement beyond the minimum requirements.

FAQs

How can I use "a clean bill of" health in a sentence?

You can use "a clean bill of" health to indicate that someone or something has been thoroughly assessed and found to be in satisfactory condition. For example: "After the inspection, the building received "a clean bill of health" from the safety inspector".

What's a good alternative to "a clean bill of" health?

Alternatives include "certificate of good health", "given the all-clear", or "passed inspection", depending on the specific context.

Is it always about health, or can "a clean bill of" health apply to other situations?

While often used in the context of physical or mental well-being, ""a clean bill of health"" can also apply to systems, projects, or organizations that have undergone scrutiny and are deemed sound.

Can "a clean bill of" health indicate a conditional approval?

No, ""a clean bill of health"" implies full and unqualified approval, not a conditional one. If there are caveats or reservations, another phrase should be used.