are we clear

USAGE SUMMARY

'are we clear' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to confirm that the other person has understood the conversation or instructions. For example, "I've explained the instructions for the project. Are we clear?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Are we clear?" Clear is the last thing she is.

The Guardian - Film

Are we clear?" Frederic tries to tell him he's not OK with that and that he needs his original memory cards back.

The Guardian

Check for next steps: Are we clear about who will take actions and when those actions will be finished?

Harvard Business Review

Are we clear?

The New York Times

Are we clear?" How often do you have sex?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Are we clear on the ground rules, by the way?

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

At Darwen we were clear we had high expectations.

The Guardian

We're clear we've not done anything untoward".

Los Angeles Times

"We are very clear that we answered truthfully," Wallace said.

Los Angeles Times

We are clear that we need greater solidarity".

The Guardian - Sport

I'm pleased we cleared this up.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are we clear" to ensure the listener fully comprehends instructions or expectations, especially when consequences are involved.

Common error

Avoid using "are we clear" in casual conversations where a simple "do you understand" would suffice, as it can come across as overly assertive or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are we clear" functions as an interrogative expression used to ensure comprehension and agreement. As noted by Ludwig, it serves to confirm that the listener has understood the information or instructions provided. Examples in the search data show it used in both authoritative and collaborative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are we clear" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, confirmed by Ludwig AI, employed to ensure understanding and agreement. While not as frequent as other common phrases, it finds its primary use in News & Media, Wiki, and Academia, bringing a neutral to professional tone. It's crucial to wield this phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse in casual settings to prevent unintended assertiveness. Remember that alternative expressions, such as "do you understand", can provide a softer approach while achieving the same communicative goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do you understand

Direct and straightforward, focusing on comprehension.

is that understood

More formal and passive, emphasizing the receiver's responsibility to understand.

do I make myself clear

Places the onus on the speaker to be understood, potentially implying authority.

is everything understood

Asks for confirmation of complete understanding.

are we on the same page

Informal, focusing on shared understanding and agreement.

do you follow

Slightly less formal, inquiring if the listener is keeping up with the information.

got it

Very informal and concise, seeking quick confirmation.

understood

A shortened, direct way to ask if the message has been received and comprehended.

is that crystal clear

Emphasizes the need for absolute clarity and leaves no room for ambiguity.

any questions

An invitation for clarification, addressing potential uncertainties.

FAQs

How to use "are we clear" in a sentence?

You can use "are we clear" at the end of a statement or instruction to confirm understanding. For example, "The deadline is next Friday. Are we clear?"

What can I say instead of "are we clear"?

You can use alternatives like "do you understand", "is that understood", or "are we on the same page" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are we clear" or "are we clear on that"?

Both "are we clear" and "are we clear on that" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context. "Are we clear on that" may be used when referring to a specific topic.

What's the difference between "are we clear" and "do you understand"?

"Are we clear" can sometimes carry a slightly more assertive or authoritative tone than "do you understand". While both seek confirmation of comprehension, "are we clear" might be used when emphasizing expectations or consequences.