be clear about something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be clear about something' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express that you or someone else needs to make an idea or opinion clear or understood. For example: "I need you to be clear about your expectations for this project so that I know how to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Let me be clear about something.

Harvard University

Let's be clear about something: The people most at risk in Sochi are ordinary Russians.

The Washington Post

Those who long for greater clarity in describing the peculiarly Islamic nature of terrorism (see Bobby Jindal: "Let's be honest here: Islam has a problem") should also be clear about something else.

The Washington Post

But let's be clear about something: Russell Westbrook ultimately ended up using the weekend as his lectern, where he warned the league of his plans to be the post-all-star break MVP and bring the Thunder to the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

The Washington Post

Now, let's be clear about something.

Forbes

Let's be clear about something first: Very little about MLB's big Bluetooth push is final at this point.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

I spent most of my life trying to help people from harming themselves or others, and by going over things with them, hoping they'll be clearer about something.

HuffPost

Christians have a bad habit of declaring that "the Bible is clear" about something or another that jives with their biases.

Huffington Post

Oddball that I am, a quirky delight surges in me when the Bible is clear about something that is a bit alien to me and most everybody else, like the intriguing reports in all the Gospels that when Jesus talked, people were "amazed".

Huffington Post

What am I not doing that I want to begin?" Even if you have no idea what your passions and gifts are, undoubtedly you're clear about something in your life.

WikiHow

Let's be clear about something we're not just shoving a credit card on a phone.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be clear about something" to introduce a key point, especially when correcting a misconception or emphasizing a crucial fact. This phrase adds a layer of authority and ensures your message is direct and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "be clear about something" too frequently in casual conversation. The phrase can sound overly formal or even condescending if not used judiciously. Opt for simpler alternatives like "just so you know" or "basically" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be clear about something" functions as a discourse marker. It signals the speaker's intention to emphasize a point or provide clarification, ensuring the listener understands the importance of what follows. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be clear about something" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a key point or clarification. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to emphasize critical information and prevent misunderstanding. While useful in various settings, it's best to avoid overuse in informal contexts to prevent sounding overly formal. Remember there exist several alternatives, such as "to clarify" and "let me frank".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Let's be straight about something

Emphasizes directness and frankness, differing slightly in tone from a neutral clarification.

Let me be frank about something

Focuses on honesty and openness, potentially addressing a sensitive issue.

To be precise

Highlights accuracy and detail, contrasting with a more general clarification.

To clarify

Offers a straightforward simplification or explanation, lacking the assertive tone of the original phrase.

To put it simply

Emphasizes ease of understanding, suitable for complex topics requiring basic explanation.

In other words

Restates a point using different language, suitable for ensuring comprehension.

What I mean to say is

Corrects or refines a previous statement, indicating potential ambiguity.

The point is

Highlights the central idea, acting as a summary or conclusion.

In essence

Conveys the core meaning, omitting less important details.

The long and short of it is

Provides a concise summary of a longer or more complex situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "be clear about something" to introduce a key point or clarification. For example, "Let's be clear about something: this project needs to be completed by Friday."

What are some alternatives to "be clear about something"?

Alternatives include "to clarify", "let me be frank", or "the point is", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is "be clear about something" formal or informal?

"Be clear about something" leans towards a neutral to formal register. It's suitable for professional communication, news reporting, and academic writing but might sound overly assertive in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "be clear about something" and "be honest about something"?

"Be clear about something" emphasizes clarity and directness, focusing on ensuring the message is understood. "Be honest about something", on the other hand, emphasizes truthfulness and sincerity, even if the message is difficult to convey. The phrase "be honest about something" implies a moral imperative to tell the truth, while the phrase "be clear about something" focuses on understanding and precision.