all clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a situation is safe or that there are no obstacles or issues present. Example: "After the storm passed, the weather service announced that it was all clear for residents to return to their homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Thankfully, I got the all clear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You never get the all clear".

The Guardian

I texted, "All clear".

The New York Times

The Nails: All clear.

The New York Times

Now services All Clear?

The Economist

All clear so far?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

After 2 weeks it all cleared up.

The New Yorker

But it is not the all-clear.

The Economist

"They didn't have the all-clear".

The New York Times - Arts

Soon after, the all-clear is given.

The New York Times

At 5am the all-clear was sounded.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all clear" to signal that a threat or problem has passed and that it is safe to resume normal activities or operations. Ensure the context makes it clear what the previous threat was.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "all clear" implies complete and absolute safety in all aspects. It usually refers to a specific, previously identified risk. Clarify the scope to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all clear" functions primarily as a noun phrase or an adjective phrase depending on context. As per Ludwig's examples, it signals that a state of danger has passed or that permission to proceed is granted. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "all clear" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a threat has passed or permission to proceed is granted. As verified by Ludwig AI, it serves to inform, reassure, and authorize. This expression appears frequently in news and media, as well as academic contexts. When using "all clear", consider its neutral register and ensure clarity about the scope of safety implied. Alternatives such as "safe to proceed" or "permission granted" may be suitable in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

safe to proceed

Emphasizes the permission aspect rather than the absence of danger.

situation is safe

Focuses on the condition of safety, omitting direct action.

no danger present

Highlights the absence of threat, a more descriptive alternative.

area is secure

Implies a broader sense of safety, particularly in a location.

go ahead

A command to proceed. Shifts focus from safety to permission.

permission granted

More formal way to express authorization.

risk-free

Emphasizes the absence of risk, often used in financial or medical contexts.

obstacles removed

Focuses on the elimination of impediments to action.

green light

Idiomatic expression indicating approval or permission to start something.

everything's fine

Informal way to express that there are no problems.

FAQs

How can you use "all clear" in a sentence?

You can use "all clear" to indicate that a threat has passed, as in "After the storm, the coast guard gave the "all clear" for boats to return to the harbor".

What's an alternative to saying "all clear"?

Alternatives include "safe to proceed", "permission granted", or "situation is safe", depending on the context.

Is "all clear" formal or informal?

"All clear" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "authorization granted".

What does it mean when someone says "all clear"?

When someone says "all clear", it typically means that a previously identified danger or obstacle has been resolved and it is now safe to proceed or resume normal activities.