as clear as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as clear as' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing something to something else that is easily understood or seen. For example, "The instructions for the assignment were as clear as day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They are as clear as can be.

The New Yorker

It's as clear as grim day.

The New York Times

His answer was as clear as yolk.

The Guardian - Sport

It's as clear as a bell.

The New York Times

"It is as clear as day.

The Guardian

As clear as mud, that is.

The Guardian - Business

"That's as clear as I can get.

The New York Times

The facts are as clear as they could be.

The Guardian - Opinion

The issue here is as clear as day.

The Guardian

An invitation as clear as it was unavoidable.

The Guardian - Books

"He will always make it sound as clear as possible.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as clear as", consider the specific quality you want to emphasize – is it the ease of understanding, the lack of ambiguity, or the visual clarity?

Common error

Avoid relying solely on overused comparisons like "as clear as day" in every context. While effective, overuse can make your writing seem uninspired. Instead, strive for fresh, original comparisons that suit the specific subject matter. For example, instead of "as clear as day", try "as clear as a mountain spring" to enhance the imagery and prevent your writing from seeming stale.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as clear as" functions as a simile, comparing the clarity of something to a well-known standard. As seen in Ludwig examples, this construction is frequently used to describe the ease of understanding or visibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as clear as" is a common simile used to emphasize the clarity or ease of understanding of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. It functions primarily to make concepts more relatable and vivid. While "as clear as day" is a prevalent choice, exploring alternative comparisons can enhance writing and prevent it from becoming repetitive. Considering the target audience and the desired nuance is crucial when employing this phrase. Whether describing instructions "as clear as day" or a situation "as clear as mud", the phrase offers a versatile tool for conveying degrees of clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear as day

A common idiom emphasizing the obviousness of something.

perfectly clear

Highlights the completeness and flawlessness of the clarity.

crystal clear

Uses a metaphor of transparency and purity to describe clarity.

unambiguous

Highlights the lack of any possible alternative interpretation.

easily understood

Focuses directly on the ease with which something can be grasped.

readily apparent

Stresses how quickly and effortlessly something becomes visible or known.

patently obvious

Similar to "plainly obvious" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the undeniable nature.

plainly obvious

Emphasizes the overt and undeniable nature of something.

easy to see

Focuses on the visual aspect of understanding; something is obvious to observe.

distinctly defined

Highlights the well-defined and sharply delineated nature of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as clear as" is used to make a comparison, indicating that something is easily understood or seen. For example, "The instructions were "as clear as day"" or "His explanation was "as clear as mud"" (if you want to express the opposite).

What are some alternatives to "as clear as"?

Alternatives include "easily understood", "unambiguous", "crystal clear", or "plainly obvious". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always best to use "as clear as possible"?

While clarity is generally desirable, there are situations where ambiguity might be intentional or even necessary, such as in diplomacy or creative writing. Consider your audience and purpose when deciding how much clarity is appropriate.

What does it mean when someone says something is "as clear as mud"?

When something is described as ""as clear as mud"", it means that it is not clear at all; it's confusing and difficult to understand. It's an idiom used to express a lack of clarity.