be clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be clear" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when you are asking someone to explain something more clearly, or when you are giving instructions and want to emphasize that they should be understood. For example, "Please be clear when explaining the project details to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let us be clear.

The Guardian - Opinion

So let's be clear.

Independent

Let's be clear, though.

The New York Times - Food

Be clear about expectations.

The New York Times

But let's be clear.

The New York Times

"That should be clear".

The New York Times

To be clear.

The New York Times

Let me be clear.

The New York Times

Please be clear".

The New York Times

Just to be clear.

The New Yorker

First, let me be clear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions, use "be clear" to emphasize the importance of avoiding ambiguity. This ensures that the recipient fully understands the requirements.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "be clear" in a single document. While it's useful for emphasizing important points, excessive repetition can make your writing sound patronizing. Instead, vary your language with synonyms such as "be explicit" or "be specific".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be clear" functions as an imperative, directing the listener or reader to ensure their communication is easily understood and free of ambiguity. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts from news to wikihow articles. The expression is usually a call for conciseness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

43%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the imperative phrase "be clear" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that instructs the audience to express themselves without ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources, reflecting its broad applicability. While it's essential to use this phrase to emphasize clarity, be mindful of overuse. Alternatives like "be explicit" or "be specific" can provide variation and prevent your writing from sounding patronizing. As always, ensuring that communication is easily understood remains the primary goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make sure you're clear

Adds an element of ensuring clarity rather than simply stating it as a command.

be explicit

Focuses on the state of being outwardly expressive and specific, removing ambiguity.

be specific

Highlights the need for detail and precision in communication.

state it clearly

Shifts the focus to the act of stating something in an easily understandable manner.

clarify your point

Emphasizes the action of making one's viewpoint more understandable.

make it understandable

Focuses on the result of being easily understood.

be direct

Emphasizes straightforwardness and avoiding indirectness.

ensure understanding

Highlights the importance of the other party comprehending the message.

be unambiguous

Focuses on the absence of multiple possible interpretations.

express yourself plainly

Emphasizes simplicity and ease of understanding in one's expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "be clear" to instruct someone to communicate without ambiguity, such as in the sentence, "When explaining the project requirements, "be clear" about the deadlines and deliverables."

What is a good alternative to "be clear"?

Alternatives to "be clear" include "be explicit", "be specific", or "make sure you're clear", which all emphasize different aspects of ensuring understanding.

Is it correct to say "be clearly" instead of "be clear"?

No, it is not correct. The phrase "be clear" uses the adjective "clear" to describe the state of being, while "clearly" is an adverb. "Be clearly" is not grammatically sound in this context.

What does it mean when someone tells me to "be clear"?

When someone tells you to "be clear", they are asking you to communicate your thoughts or instructions in a way that is easily understood and free of any potential confusion.