a clear sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"a clear sense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a strong, distinct feeling or understanding of something. For example, "After talking to her, I had a clear sense that she was unhappy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has a clear sense of direction.

The Guardian

"I felt a clear sense of foreboding," he said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But the Hundreds fostered a clear sense of belonging.

The New York Times

You don't really get a clear sense of direction.

The New York Times

Working at an organization with a clear sense of purpose?

Harvard Business Review

There is a clear sense of the wheel turning around.

The New Yorker

"The country is looking for a clear sense of direction.

The New York Times

Bryars says Reich always had a clear sense of direction.

The Guardian

As a result, they had a clear sense of their own strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes.

Harvard University

"No one had a clear sense of the nature of Internet censorship until now.

Harvard University

Embedding a clear sense of purpose in the governance structure of the corporation.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clear sense" to indicate a strong understanding or feeling about something, particularly when emphasizing certainty or direction. For instance, "The team needs to have "a clear sense" of the project's goals before starting."

Common error

Avoid using "a clear sense" when the context suggests ambiguity or doubt. Using "a clear sense" when uncertainty prevails weakens the phrase's impact. In ambiguous situations, consider "a vague feeling" or "a sense of unease."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear sense" functions as a noun phrase that expresses a subjective perception or understanding of something. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this usage, indicating the phrase is commonly used to convey a strong feeling or awareness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear sense" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong understanding or feeling. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is utilized across diverse contexts, including news, academic, and professional settings. When using "a clear sense", ensure it accurately reflects the certainty or definiteness you intend to convey, avoiding its use in contexts where uncertainty prevails. Consider alternatives like "a distinct impression" or "a firm grasp" to fine-tune your message. The phrase's high frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian highlight its reliability in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct impression

Replaces "sense" with "impression", emphasizing a feeling or idea formed about something.

a definite understanding

Substitutes "sense" with "understanding", highlighting a cognitive grasp of a subject.

a lucid perception

Substitutes "sense" with "perception", highlighting clearness and lucidity.

a firm grasp

Replaces "clear sense" with "firm grasp", focusing on control and comprehension.

a good understanding

Uses "good understanding" instead of "clear sense", indicating a positive level of comprehension.

a precise notion

Emphasizes exactness and clarity in the idea or concept.

a strong feeling

Emphasizes the emotional aspect, replacing "sense" with "feeling".

a palpable feeling

Highlights a feeling that is easily perceived; evident.

a keen awareness

Highlights alertness and perception, diverging slightly from direct understanding.

a strong conviction

Indicates a firm belief or opinion, adding a layer of confidence.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a clear sense" in a sentence?

Use "a clear sense" to describe a distinct feeling, understanding, or direction. For example, "The new strategy gave the company "a clear sense" of purpose."

What are some alternatives to "a clear sense"?

You can use alternatives such as "a distinct impression", "a definite understanding", or "a firm grasp" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "a clear sense of"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "a clear sense of" is typically followed by a noun or noun phrase. For instance, "She had "a clear sense" of what was expected of her."

What's the difference between "a clear sense" and "a vague sense"?

"A clear sense" indicates a definite understanding, while "a vague sense" suggests an indistinct or uncertain feeling. For instance, "He had "a clear sense" of direction" versus "He had "a vague sense" of unease".