be clear with

USAGE SUMMARY

'be clear with' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to ask someone to explain something more clearly and concisely. For example: "Can you please be clear with your instructions for how to complete this project?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be clear with friends about money.

The New York Times

"Larry, let me be clear with you," Sargent said.

The New Yorker

I want to be clear with the whole country about that.

The Guardian

You must be clear with your people about where your business falls along this spectrum.

Harvard Business Review

But in general the more we can be clear with little kids, the better.

The Washington Post

As such, the NRL needs to be clear with its public messaging at this point.

The Guardian - Sport

You also want to be clear with yourself about what's happening.

Harvard Business Review

Images must be clear with no text on the page unless it is integral to the artwork.

Cornell University

"We need to be clear with you and straight with you" may sound like political blah but voters like honesty.

The Guardian - Opinion

When we run a stitched photo, we want to be clear with our readers that this isn't the case.

The New York Times

Being clear with yourself about what type of relationship you would like to have will make it easier to be clear with him.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions or explanations, use "be clear with" to emphasize the importance of making your message easily understandable and free from ambiguity.

Common error

While it's important to "be clear with" your message, avoid being blunt or offensive. Clarity should be balanced with tact and empathy to ensure effective communication without causing unnecessary conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be clear with" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to communicate in an unambiguous and easily understandable manner. This directive aims to prevent misunderstandings and ensure effective conveyance of information. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be clear with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that encourages unambiguous communication across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its prevalence in news, academic, and business settings underscores its importance in professional and formal discourse. When using "be clear with", remember to balance directness with tact to ensure your message is well-received. Alternative phrases like "be explicit with" or "be precise with" can offer nuanced variations, while maintaining the core message of clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be explicit with

Emphasizes direct and unambiguous communication, reducing any possibility of misunderstanding.

be precise with

Highlights the need for exactness and accuracy in conveying information.

be specific with

Focuses on providing detailed and particular information, avoiding generality.

be direct with

Implies forthrightness and honesty in communication, without hesitation or ambiguity.

be straightforward with

Suggests simplicity and clarity in the way information is conveyed.

be plain with

Conveys a sense of simplicity and openness in communication.

be transparent with

Implies openness and honesty, ensuring all relevant information is visible.

articulate clearly to

Stresses the importance of expressing something coherently and understandably.

communicate unambiguously to

Focuses on ensuring that the message leaves no room for misinterpretation.

make perfectly clear to

Emphasizes a complete and thorough conveyance of understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "be clear with" to emphasize the need for unambiguous communication. For example, "Please "be clear with your intentions" so there are no misunderstandings."

What does it mean to "be clear with" someone?

To "be clear with" someone means to communicate your thoughts, intentions, or instructions in a way that is easily understood and leaves no room for confusion. It involves being direct, concise, and avoiding ambiguity.

What are some alternatives to "be clear with"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be explicit with", "be precise with", or "be specific with", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to "be clear with" others?

While it's not always necessary in casual conversation, it's crucial in situations where accuracy and understanding are paramount, such as giving instructions, setting expectations, or discussing sensitive topics. However, balance clarity with empathy.