a clear

USAGE SUMMARY

"a clear" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is easily understood or easily seen. For example: - The professor gave a clear explanation of the concept. - The painting had a clear depiction of the sunset. - The instructions were written in a clear and concise manner. - The water in the lake was so clear, I could see all the way to the bottom.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Develop a clear ideology.

The New Yorker

A clear plurality said yes.

The New York Times

To have a clear voice.

Independent

"This is a clear contradiction".

The New York Times

"I've got a clear conscience".

The New York Times

That was a clear example.

The New York Times

"I had a clear vision.

The New York Times

We need a clear choice".

The New York Times

Walmart offers a clear example.

The New York Times

A clear, and exciting debate.

The New Yorker

Again, a clear yellow card.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the adjective with concrete nouns like "photo", "surface", or "spot" to describe physical visibility and transparency

Common error

Avoid using "a clear" in tautological expressions such as "a clear and obvious proof". If something is clear, it is usually obvious, and doubling up adds unnecessary wordiness to your prose without adding meaning.

Linguistic Context

In the English language, "a clear" functions as an adjective phrase (specifically an indefinite article followed by an adjective) used to qualify a noun. Based on Ludwig AI analysis, it serves as a pre-modifier that establishes the property of the head noun as being without ambiguity, obstruction, or cloudiness. It is highly versatile, appearing in both literal and figurative constructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

41%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a clear" is a cornerstone of effective English communication, providing a simple yet powerful way to denote transparency and certainty. Data from Ludwig reveals that it is used with nearly equal frequency in high-stakes journalism and practical, everyday instructions. Whether you are describing "a clear" vision for a company, a "a clear" penalty in sports, or "a clear" explanation of a scientific concept, the phrase remains a reliable tool for writers. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and universal acceptance, suggesting that its strength lies in its ability to adapt to both literal and metaphorical descriptions without losing its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an obvious

Suggests something that is very easy to notice or understand without effort

an unequivocal

Emphasizes that there is absolutely no room for alternative interpretation

a definite

Implies certainty and lack of doubt rather than just visual clarity

a distinct

Highlights the uniqueness or sharpness of a feature

a straightforward

Focuses on the simplicity and lack of complexity in a process or explanation

a lucid

Usually describes communication that is exceptionally easy to understand

a plain

Suggests something is stated or seen simply and without ornamentation

a manifest

A more formal and literary way to say something is clearly evident

a transparent

Refers to physical clarity or figurative honesty and openness

an apparent

Used when something seems clear, though there might be room for verification

FAQs

What is the difference between "a clear" and "an obvious"?

While both imply visibility, "an obvious" suggests something that is impossible to miss, whereas "a clear" often implies a lack of obstruction or confusion.

Can I use "a clear" in academic writing?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. For example, you might describe "a distinct" pattern or "a clear" correlation found within your research data.

Is it better to use "a clear" or "a straightforward" for instructions?

If you want to emphasize that the steps are simple to follow, "a straightforward" might be more precise, but "a clear" is widely used to denote well-written guidance.

When should I use "a manifest" instead of "a clear"?

"a manifest" is much more formal and typically used when something is clearly revealed or evident to the senses in a dramatic or philosophical way.