a clear sheet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear sheet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sheet of material, such as paper or plastic, that is transparent or free of markings. Example: "Please print the document on a clear sheet so that the text is visible from both sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

My eyes smart from even looking at the yard, which is a clear sheet of sun, almost incandescent.

The New Yorker

Premium helium party balloons are made from two circular sheets of plastic fused together, so imagine a parabolic reflector formed from a clear sheet, and a shiny sheet.

Independent

Mr. Hyde's "Horizon" (2003) is minimal, made of a clear sheet of plastic edged with a border of unraveling blue and green synthetic fabric.

The New York Times

Dressed in light-blue unitards, the dancers play atop a clear sheet of plexiglass, their antics captured by camera and projected onto a screen so that the audience watches the execution of a low-tech music video (music, of course, by OK Go).

The New York Times - Arts

The component maps are reduced, and the negatives are cut and assembled into a mosaic on a clear sheet of plastic, the master negative of which provides guide copy for the several colour-separation plates required, which are then completed for reproduction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dogs were thoroughly examined for ectoparasites by combing the entire body surfaces on a clear sheet of white paper.

BMC Veterinary Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The legal papers, stored carefully near the cash register, start on Sept. 17, with a declaration that Mr. Mustafa's passport had "obviously been altered with the introduction of an additional clear sheet on top of the genuine laminate," a change associated with terrorism or smuggling drugs or immigrants.

The New York Times

This was such a simple project – clear sheet, tissue paper, glue, and scissors – but it's been one our patron's favorite story time projects this year!

Princeton University

We thought that we were in a situation that was clear, with a clean sheet.

The Guardian - Sport

Our solution was imprinting braille onto a clear Mylar sheet and slipping it over the documents.

Yale University

Across from her was a couch covered with a clear plastic sheet.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical objects, use "a clear sheet" to emphasize transparency or the absence of markings, for example: "The document was protected by a clear sheet of plastic."

Common error

Avoid using "a clear sheet" when you mean "a clean slate" in metaphorical contexts. "Clear" emphasizes transparency, while "clean" refers to a fresh start. For example, say "The new manager gave the team a clean slate" not "a clear sheet."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear sheet" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing physical objects made of transparent material.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

22%

Science

22%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear sheet" is a noun phrase used to describe a physical object that is transparent or unmarked. Ludwig identifies it as grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, from describing materials in scientific settings to everyday objects in news reports. While not overly frequent, its usage is consistent. Remember to use it when emphasizing the see-through quality of a sheet-like material, and avoid confusing it with the idiomatic expression "a clean sheet", which signifies a fresh start. The phrase appears most often in News & Media, Scientific, and Academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a transparent film

Emphasizes the see-through quality, suitable when the visual aspect is key.

a see-through panel

Describes a rigid, transparent barrier or component.

a transparent covering

Describes a see-through material used for protection.

a blank page

Highlights the emptiness and potential for new content.

a clean slate

Focuses on starting fresh, often used metaphorically.

an unmarked surface

Indicates the absence of any markings or labels.

a spotless surface

Stresses the absence of blemishes or marks.

a clean record

This focuses on having no prior issues, often used in professional setting.

a lucid layer

Implies clarity and ease of understanding.

a pristine expanse

Suggests unspoiled and unmarked area.

FAQs

How can I use "a clear sheet" in a sentence?

You can use "a clear sheet" to describe a transparent or unmarked piece of material, such as "The artist used a clear sheet of acetate for overlaying images" or "The table was protected by a clear plastic sheet".

What's the difference between "a clear sheet" and "a blank sheet"?

"A clear sheet" implies transparency, allowing you to see through it. "A blank sheet", on the other hand, simply means it's unmarked, but it might not be transparent.

Is it ever appropriate to use "a clean sheet" instead of "a clear sheet"?

Yes, but their meanings are distinct. "A clear sheet" refers to a physical object, while "a clean sheet" is an idiom that means a fresh start or a new beginning.

What are some synonyms for "a clear sheet" when describing a transparent material?

Depending on the context, you could use "a transparent film", "a see-through panel", or "a transparent covering" as alternatives.