almost clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is nearly understandable or that clarity is close to being achieved. Example: "The instructions were almost clear, but I still had a few questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

When I arrive in Reykjavik, the sky is almost clear.

The Guardian - Travel

Her features are mismatched — small chin, wide nose, the icy, almost clear eyes of a wolf.

The New Yorker

That left the Germans momentarily with an almost clear path to Moscow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Do this three times or until the water is almost clear.

The Guardian

The skies were blue and the air seemed almost clear for the first time all week.

The Guardian

Light-green wheat fields grow waist-high, and narrow irrigation canals run almost clear.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, wash the rice in cold running water until the water is almost clear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She said she was worried about Isabella .Olivia is almost clear but... Isabella still has a long way to go.

Independent

The United States produces 300 or so varieties of honey from the almost clear fireweed to the molasseslike buckwheat.

The New York Times - Food

Towards the end of the walk, Barry pointed out Moel Siabod, hiding under thick cloud despite almost clear blue skies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sperm died down to almost-clear water".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost clear" to indicate a state that is close to being fully clear or transparent, but not quite there. It can apply to physical states (like water or air) or abstract concepts (like understanding or a path forward).

Common error

Avoid using "almost clear" when the situation is definitively clear. Saying something is "almost clear" implies there's still some ambiguity or obstruction. If it is completely clear use alternatives like "clear" or "unambiguous."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost clear" primarily functions as an adjectival modifier, describing the state of something being close to clarity or transparency. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

27%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost clear" functions as an adjectival modifier to express that something is close to being fully clear or transparent, whether physically or conceptually. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Wiki articles. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's important to consider the context to determine whether a more precise term is needed. Related phrases like "nearly transparent" or "virtually unclouded" offer similar meanings with slight variations. Avoid using it when describing something that is definitively clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost transparent

Indicates a state very close to complete transparency.

nearly transparent

This alternative emphasizes the visual characteristic of almost being see-through.

virtually unclouded

This alternative is especially useful for describing skies or situations where clarity is obstructed by some form of cloudiness.

practically lucid

This alternative conveys that something is very close to being completely understandable or rational.

nearly visible

Implies something is on the verge of being seen or becoming apparent.

practically resolved

Suggests that a solution or answer is very close to being achieved.

essentially distinct

This alternative suggests that differences are negligible and the overall clarity is high.

on the verge of resolution

Highlights that a problem or issue is very close to being solved.

virtually certain

This emphasizes a high probability or near certainty.

just about decipherable

Indicates a situation where something is barely readable or understandable.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost clear" to describe a liquid that is close to being transparent, such as, "The water was "almost clear" after filtering." It can also describe abstract concepts, like "The path forward is "almost clear", we just need to address a few minor obstacles."

What are some synonyms for "almost clear"?

Some synonyms include "nearly transparent", "virtually unclouded", or "practically lucid", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "almost clear" in formal writing?

Yes, "almost clear" is appropriate for formal writing. Its meaning is readily understood, and it doesn't contain colloquialisms. However, consider the context and whether a more precise term would be more effective.

What's the difference between "almost clear" and "completely clear"?

"Almost clear" indicates a state that is very close to being clear but not quite there yet, implying some level of obscurity or impurity remains. "Completely clear" means there are no obstructions or ambiguities whatsoever.