are cleared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are cleared" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something has been removed, resolved, or made clear, often in relation to permissions or obstacles. Example: "Once all the necessary checks are cleared, we can proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"You are cleared hot," I told Righteous.

The New York Times

Plates are cleared as soon as they are empty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sherif and Muhedin Ali are cleared of prior knowledge charges.

The Guardian

European cross-border capital flows are cleared through the ECB.

The Economist

Only about half the homicide cases are cleared.

The New York Times

Roads are cleared, lined by man-made hills of rubble.

The Economist

He's not the guy things are cleared through".

The New York Times

When they are cleared, Vettel gets a jump.

The Guardian - Sport

After the plates are cleared, Wilkins and Carey leave.

The New York Times - Magazine

Offenders' records are cleared if they complete treatment.

The New York Times

Along Bleecker Street, hulks of abandoned cars are cleared away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are cleared" when you want to convey that obstacles have been removed or permissions have been granted, allowing something to proceed or become available.

Common error

Avoid using "are cleared" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying 'The officer are cleared the road', say 'The officer cleared the road'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are cleared" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject has undergone an action of being freed from obstacles, accusations, or other impediments. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is frequently used to express that something has been removed or a process has been completed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are cleared" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to indicate that obstacles have been removed, permissions have been granted, or a process has been completed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile, appearing in diverse contexts from news and media to scientific research. When writing, ensure the subject agrees in number (singular vs. plural) and consider the active voice for more direct constructions. Alternatives such as "are approved" or "are resolved" may be suitable depending on the intended meaning. The phrase maintains a neutral to formal register, making it appropriate for a wide range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are authorized

Implies formal permission or approval has been granted, focusing on the aspect of authorization rather than just removal of obstacles.

are approved

Similar to 'are authorized', but emphasizes validation or agreement with a plan or action.

are resolved

Focuses on the resolution of a problem or issue, rather than just the act of clearing something.

are eliminated

Suggests a complete removal or eradication, often used for problems or unwanted elements.

are removed

Highlights the physical or abstract act of taking something away, with a broader scope than just obstacles.

are discharged

Implies a release or sending away, often in the context of obligations or responsibilities.

are acquitted

Specifically refers to being found not guilty in a legal setting, removing suspicion.

are exonerated

Similar to acquitted, emphasizing the removal of blame or responsibility after scrutiny.

are unblocked

Focuses on the removal of a specific blockage or obstruction, allowing flow or progress.

are vacated

Implies emptying a space or position, making it available for use.

FAQs

How can I use "are cleared" in a sentence?

The phrase "are cleared" is used in the passive voice to indicate that something has been removed or that permission has been granted. For example, "The roads "are cleared" after the snowstorm" or "The project proposals "are cleared" by the board".

What are some alternatives to "are cleared"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "are approved", "are resolved", or "are eliminated" as alternatives to "are cleared".

Is it correct to say "is cleared" instead of "are cleared"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is cleared" for singular subjects (e.g., "The road is cleared") and "are cleared" for plural subjects (e.g., "The roads are cleared").

What is the difference between "are cleared" and "have been cleared"?

"Are cleared" indicates a present state (e.g., "The paths "are cleared" now"), while "have been cleared" indicates a completed action that happened in the past (e.g., "The paths "have been cleared" this morning").