a clear shot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clear shot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a good opportunity or a direct view, often in situations involving photography, sports, or metaphorically in decision-making. Example: "With the sun setting behind the mountains, I finally got a clear shot of the landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This way we've got a clear shot".

The New York Times

Every chaser seemed to have a clear shot of one.

The New York Times - Magazine

We never had a clear shot after that".

The New Yorker

We now had a clear shot at the police tape.

The New York Times

She has a clear shot at the trampoline.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

McBride had a clear shot, but Hirschfeld made the save.

The New York Times - Sports

That was a clear shot at Sanders and his supporters.

The New Yorker

Are snipers always in place if a clear shot is feasible?

The New York Times

The map says it's a clear shot to the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, at 125th Street.

The New York Times - Arts

Once they had a clear shot at the suspect, they took it.

The New York Times

No, Miliband's problem was that he could only rarely get a clear shot.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clear shot" when you want to convey having an unobstructed view or a distinct advantage, whether literal or metaphorical. For instance, in sports, it refers to an open opportunity to score; in business, it signifies a direct path to success.

Common error

Avoid using "a clear shot" solely in contexts where a literal, visual shot is intended. Overlooking its metaphorical application can limit your writing's impact. Remember it can represent any kind of opportunity, not just those involving aiming.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear shot" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the state of having an unobstructed view or an advantageous opportunity. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is frequently used both literally and metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear shot" is a very common phrase that denotes either a literal unobstructed view or, more frequently, a metaphorical distinct advantage or opportunity. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it is used across a range of contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, writers should be mindful of its metaphorical application and avoid limiting its use to only literal contexts. It’s important to know that you can use alternatives to "a clear shot", such as "an unobstructed view", or "a prime opportunity". Ludwig’s examples reveal its broad applicability and consistent meaning, making it a valuable phrase in various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a direct line of sight

Highlights the straight path between the observer and the target.

an unobstructed view

Focuses on the literal absence of obstacles in sight.

a straightforward path

Focuses on the absence of complications or obstacles.

a prime opportunity

Indicates an excellent or ideal chance.

a golden opportunity

Emphasizes the exceptional value and potential of a chance.

an open opportunity

Emphasizes the availability of a chance or possibility.

an ideal vantage point

Emphasizes a superior position for observing or acting.

an unimpeded access

Stresses the freedom from obstruction in reaching something.

a strategic advantage

Suggests a calculated position for success.

an easy target

Highlights the lack of difficulty in achieving a goal.

FAQs

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

"A clear shot" can describe a literal unobstructed view, as in "The sniper had "a clear shot" at the target", or a metaphorical opportunity, as in "The company now has "a clear shot" at dominating the market".

What are some alternatives to "a clear shot"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a clear shot" include "an unobstructed view", "a prime opportunity", or "a strategic advantage".

When is it appropriate to use "a clear shot" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "a clear shot" metaphorically when describing an unobstructed path to achieving a goal or when someone has a distinct advantage in a competitive situation. For example, "After the merger, the startup had "a clear shot" at becoming a major player".

What's the difference between "a clear shot" and "a clean shot"?

"A clear shot" typically refers to an unobstructed view or opportunity, while "a clean shot" implies a precise and successful action, often in sports or hunting. The former focuses on the absence of obstacles; the latter on the quality of execution.