am I clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "am I clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to ask for confirmation that your message or instructions have been understood. Example: "I want to make sure everyone understands the new policy. Am I clear?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Nor am I clear where British military involvement might end".

The Guardian

Nor am I clear where British military involvement might end". There are some serious players in this fight with some serious military kit lined up behind the different factions in Syria.

The Guardian

Second of all, am I clear to do this, is this right, is it justified?

BBC

Am I clear?

The New Yorker

Am I clear on that?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Am I being clear?

Huffington Post

There are, I think, two clear consequences.

The New York Times

I am just clearing that up.

The New Yorker

"I was clear I wanted to do marketing and strategy.

The New York Times

"I was cleared of it.

The Guardian - Film

JK No, I'm clearing the air.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "am I clear". In more formal settings, "is that understood?" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "am I clear" in casual conversation, as it can come across as condescending. Opt for alternatives like "does that make sense?" or simply pausing to allow for questions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "am I clear" primarily functions as an interrogative phrase used to solicit confirmation of understanding. As shown by Ludwig AI, it seeks to ascertain whether the speaker's message has been successfully received and comprehended by the listener.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "am I clear" is a grammatically correct interrogative used to confirm understanding. While deemed correct and usable in written English, according to Ludwig AI, it appears less frequently across various contexts. The primary purpose of the phrase is to ensure comprehension, functioning within a neutral to informal register, mostly in News & Media. Related phrases include "is that clear" and "do you understand". When using "am I clear", consider the audience and context, opting for more formal alternatives like "is that understood?" in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is that clear

Changes the sentence structure from a question with 'I' to a direct question about clarity.

have I made myself clear

Shifts the emphasis to the speaker's effectiveness in communicating.

do you understand

Focuses directly on the listener's comprehension rather than the speaker's clarity.

does that make sense

Asks if the information is logical and comprehensible to the listener.

are we on the same page

Uses an idiomatic expression to check for shared understanding.

is everything understood

A more formal way of asking if the information has been grasped.

is that understandable

Focuses on whether the information presented is capable of being understood.

can you follow me

Checks if the listener is able to understand the information as it's being presented.

did I explain that well

Shifts the focus to the quality of the speaker's explanation.

are there any questions

Invites clarification and confirms understanding indirectly.

FAQs

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

You can use "am I clear" at the end of a statement or instruction to ensure the listener understands, such as "These are the steps to follow, am I clear?"

What's a more formal alternative to "am I clear"?

In formal settings, consider using alternatives like "is that understood" or "do you have any questions".

When is it appropriate to use "am I clear"?

It's appropriate to use "am I clear" when you want to confirm that someone has understood your instructions or explanation, particularly when the information is important or complex.

Is "am I clear" the same as "have I made myself clear"?

While similar, "am I clear" focuses on whether the listener understands, while "have I made myself clear" emphasizes the speaker's ability to communicate effectively.