a clear road

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear road" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a road that is unobstructed or free of obstacles, often in the context of travel or navigation. Example: "After the storm passed, we finally had a clear road to drive on, making our journey much easier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Barak does not face a clear road ahead.

The New York Times

He demonstrated its acceleration on a clear road, and also Oldsmobile's oddly entertaining Safety Spectrum Speedometer.

The New York Times

For Iran to make significant concessions, it needs to be given a clear road map.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Supreme Court must provide a clear road map, now, to resolve this electoral dispute.

The New York Times

But Rodriguez, a fastidious planner, will have a program to follow, a clear road map to spring training.

The New York Times - Sports

This would include offers of "a clear road to membership" in NATO for Ukraine and "other post-Soviet states".

The Economist

General Manager Brian Cashman has lamented that there is not "a clear road map to this stuff".

The New York Times - Sports

You suggest that President Bush can win back the confidence of the Americans on Iraq with a "clear road map".

The New York Times

Lastly, but most importantly, the army and the government must chart a clear road map for the weeks and months ahead.

The New York Times

Patrick Wales, a spokesman and project manager for the company, called the study a "clear road map" for safely mining uranium in Virginia.

The New York Times

Ms. Mayer, a former Google executive, is trying to lay out a clear road map for Yahoo, which has been bruised by a string of management shuffles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a clear road" metaphorically, ensure the context makes the comparison easily understandable for your audience. For example, "After settling the legal dispute, the company had a clear road to profitability".

Common error

While "a clear road" can be effective, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity, as it can become cliché. Vary your language with synonyms like "unobstructed path" or "straightforward route".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear road" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by the adjective "clear". It describes a route or course of action that is free from obstructions, both literally and metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a clear road" is a versatile expression used to describe both literal and metaphorical pathways that are free from obstacles. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts. Analysis of the provided examples reveals its common usage in news, science, and encyclopedic sources, suggesting a generally neutral register. Related phrases like "unobstructed path" and "straightforward route" offer similar meanings, while understanding common errors, such as overuse, can help refine writing. In summary, "a clear road" is a valuable tool for expressing ease and accessibility in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear route

Very similar meaning, but this focuses in the indication of direction.

an unobstructed path

Focuses on the literal lack of obstacles, similar to the physical aspect of "a clear road".

a straightforward route

Emphasizes simplicity and directness in achieving a goal, similar to the ease of travel on "a clear road".

an open avenue

Suggests a wide range of possibilities, comparable to having ample space on "a clear road".

a direct course

Highlights the lack of detours or deviations, emphasizing efficiency like "a clear road".

a trouble-free path

Highlights the lack of problems or difficulties.

an unimpeded way

Focuses on the absence of restrictions or hindrances, resembling the freedom of movement on "a clear road".

a seamless passage

Emphasizes the continuity, without issues.

a certain path

Highlights the lack of uncertainty in the destination, similar to the guidance given by “a clear road”.

a straight path

Emphasizes the easiness of the road, because it does not have curves.

FAQs

How can "a clear road" be used in a sentence?

"A clear road" can be used literally to describe a road free of obstacles or metaphorically to describe an unobstructed path to a goal. For example, "The project now has "a clear road" to completion".

What can I say instead of "a clear road"?

You can use alternatives like "an unobstructed path", "a straightforward route", or "an open avenue" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a clear road" or "a clear roadmap"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. "A clear road" refers to an unobstructed path, while "a clear roadmap" refers to a detailed plan for achieving a goal.

What's the difference between "a clear road" and "a clear path"?

While similar, "a clear road" often implies a more direct and established route, whereas "a clear path" can refer to any unobstructed way forward, even if less defined.