as clear as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as clear as a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is very obvious or unmistakable. For example, "His victory was as clear as a bell, clinching the championship title by a landslide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's as clear as a bell.

The New York Times

His mind and speech were as clear as a bell.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I hear it as clear as a bell".

The New Yorker

When she spoke her voice was as clear as a mezzo-soprano bell.

The Guardian - Books

With a less communicative central banker, this message would sound about as clear as a mudpack.

The Guardian - Opinion

THOUGH Iraq's future is as clear as a desert sandstorm, three things stand out.

The Economist

The often-clogged Massachusetts Turnpike was as clear as a bowling lane.

The New York Times

In my tests, call quality was as clear as a typical cellphone call.

The New York Times - Tech

For Mayor James, the motivation to push for an arena in Newark seems as clear as a backboard.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The wine, as clear as an Adriatic dawn, as light as a cotton puff, as dry as a rock, immediately satisfies.

The New York Times

Instead, the math is as clear as an orange combover: more women vote than men, and far more of them are saying that Trump is not their man.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "as clear as a" to create a vivid simile, enhancing the reader's understanding and engagement. Select the comparison (e.g., "bell", "day") to align with the context and intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using comparisons that are incongruous or confusing. Ensure the object being compared is universally recognized as clear and easily understood, otherwise the simile loses its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as clear as a" functions primarily as an intensifier within a simile. It emphasizes the degree to which something is easily understood or perceived. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use to highlight the obviousness of a situation or the clarity of communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as clear as a" is a versatile simile used to emphasize the ease with which something can be understood or perceived. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for describing something that is very obvious or unmistakable. The analysis reveals that it is a very common expression, frequently found in news media and other general contexts. To maximize its impact, select a comparison object (like "bell" or "day") that resonates with the intended meaning. While highly effective, ensure the comparison is universally recognizable to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as evident as a

Emphasizes the obviousness or readily apparent nature of something.

as explicit as a

Highlights the direct and unambiguous nature of a statement or instruction.

as obvious as a

Focuses on the easily noticeable or easily understood aspect of something.

as apparent as a

Stresses the visibility or perceivability of something.

as definite as a

Indicates a lack of ambiguity or uncertainty.

as unmistakable as a

Emphasizes the impossibility of misunderstanding or misinterpreting something.

as clean as a

Implies purity or lack of undesirable elements.

as certain as a

Highlights the assuredness or confidence in something.

as straightforward as a

Focuses on the ease and simplicity of understanding or doing something.

as clear cut as a

Stresses the precision and lack of ambiguity.

FAQs

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

Use "as clear as a" to emphasize the unmistakable nature of something. For example, "The instructions were "as clear as a bell", leaving no room for confusion."

What are some alternatives to "as clear as a"?

You can use alternatives such as "as evident as a", "as obvious as a", or "unmistakable" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "as clear as day" or "as clear as a bell"?

Both "as clear as day" and ""as clear as a bell"" are common similes. The best choice depends on the context and the image you want to evoke. "As clear as day" emphasizes visibility, while "as clear as a bell" highlights audibility or distinctness.

What does the idiom "as clear as a" mean?

The idiom "as clear as a" is a simile used to describe something that is very easy to understand or perceive. It suggests that the subject is free from ambiguity or obscurity.