barely clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is only slightly understandable or not very distinct. Example: "The instructions were barely clear, leaving many of us confused about what to do next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Polls suggest the FDP will barely clear the 5% hurdle to get into the legislature.

The Economist

Economists had been predicting a reading of 50.5, barely clear of the 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction.

The Guardian - Business

Hollandsworth, Colorado's left fielder, approached the wall and leapt only to see it barely clear for a solo homer.

The New York Times - Sports

Aspire to an Olympic medal in figure skating when you can barely clear a double Axel, and you're doomed to disappointment.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, the leader board bunched up like a traffic jam, with Westwood and Oosthuizen staying barely clear of a pack at three under.

The New York Times

Again, Rangers could barely clear their box, but escaped from the first half with just a one-goal deficit, Breitner putting Bayern ahead at its midway point.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The ball barely cleared the foul pole.

The New York Times - Sports

Didion's head barely cleared the back of hers.

The New Yorker

After an hour, Mr. Alexandre has barely cleared $10.

The New York Times

"There's a lesson in the Talmud," Westheimer pronounced, her head barely clearing the table.

The New Yorker

Unlike his two long shots Saturday, this one barely cleared the left-field wall.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual clarity, ensure the context provides a reference for comparison. For example, "The image was barely clear enough to identify the subject."

Common error

Avoid using "barely clear" when describing abstract concepts where clarity is binary (either clear or unclear). It's more appropriate for situations involving degrees of visibility or audibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely clear" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier describing the extent to which something is clear. This is consistent with Ludwig's assessment that it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Sport

13%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "barely clear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something that is only slightly understandable or discernible. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and versatile. It's commonly found in news, sports, and science reporting, conveying minimal clarity. When using "barely clear", consider whether alternatives like "scarcely clear" or "hardly clear" might better suit the intended nuance. Be cautious of overusing it with abstract concepts. Overall, "barely clear" is a reliable phrase when you need to indicate a minimal degree of clarity in a given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarcely clear

Replaces "barely" with "scarcely", indicating a minimal degree of clarity.

just clear

Emphasizes the narrow margin by using "just" instead of "barely".

hardly clear

Similar to "scarcely clear", implying a very slight degree of being clear.

narrowly clear

Focuses on the narrowness of the margin by which something is clear.

faintly clear

Indicates a weak or indistinct level of clarity.

marginally clear

Highlights that the clarity is only at the margin or edge.

almost clear

Indicates the condition nearly reaches being clear, but does not fully achieve it.

barely discernible

Shifts the focus to the ability to distinguish or recognize something.

minimally clear

Emphasizes the extremely small degree of clarity.

virtually clear

Implies near clarity, with the outcome hanging in the balance.

FAQs

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

You can use "barely clear" to describe something that is only slightly understandable or discernible. For example, "The instructions were "barely clear", leaving many confused about what to do next."

What are some alternatives to "barely clear"?

Alternatives include "scarcely clear", "just clear", or "hardly clear". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "barely clear" or should I use another phrasing?

"Barely clear" is a correct and usable phrase in English. However, consider alternatives like "almost clear" or "faintly clear" (/s/faintly+clear) for varied expression, depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What does it mean when something is described as "barely clear"?

When something is "barely clear", it means it is only slightly understandable or discernible. It suggests a minimal level of clarity, almost to the point of being unclear.