be made clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be made clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the need for clarity or understanding in communication. Example: "It is important that the terms of the agreement be made clear to all parties involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That distinction needs to be made clear.

The New York Times

The purpose of the scanptr will be made clear below.

Cornell University

Something else should be made clear as well.

Independent

(25) It should be made clear that the decision to build Defense Calculators was T.J.'s.

Columbia University

Structures for the inclusion of participation must be made clear; chaos can be managed.

University of California, Berkeley

Most of these trends can be made clear through information visualization methods.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was not clear how the boundaries would be made clear to protesters.

The New York Times

It must be made clear that the door to a joint project with Russia remains open.

The New York Times

He must do what suits us, and this needs to be made clear".

The New York Times

Moreover, its pertinence must be made clear to the objecting witness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It should also be made clear that over-coached applications can jeopardize admission.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be made clear", ensure the subject requiring clarification is easily identifiable. This prevents ambiguity and ensures the reader understands what aspect needs further explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "be made clear" without a direct or implied subject. For example, instead of writing "It should be made clear", specify what "it" refers to, such as "The policy should be made clear to all employees".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be made clear" functions as a passive construction, often used to indicate that something requires clarification or explanation. It emphasizes the need for understanding, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be made clear" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the need for clarification and understanding across diverse contexts. Ludwig highlights its prevalence in news, scientific, and academic settings, affirming its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. While generally neutral to formal, writers should ensure a clearly defined subject to avoid ambiguity. By employing best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively use "be made clear" to enhance the clarity and impact of their message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be clarified

Focuses on the act of making something easier to understand through simplification or explanation.

be elucidated

Implies a thorough explanation that removes confusion and ambiguity.

be explained clearly

Directly states the need for a clear explanation, emphasizing ease of understanding.

be stated explicitly

Highlights the importance of expressing something directly and without any ambiguity.

be unambiguously defined

Emphasizes the need for a definition that leaves no room for misinterpretation.

be plainly expressed

Suggests a simple and straightforward way of communicating an idea.

be set forth distinctly

Focuses on presenting information in a clear and well-organized manner.

be unequivocally communicated

Stresses the importance of conveying a message in a way that leaves no doubt or uncertainty.

be distinctly understood

Shifts the focus to the receiver's understanding rather than the act of clarifying.

be articulated precisely

Highlights the need for careful and accurate expression of ideas.

FAQs

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

You can use "be made clear" to emphasize the need for clarity or understanding, as in "The instructions must "be made clear" to all participants".

What are some alternatives to "be made clear"?

Alternatives include "be clarified", "be elucidated", or "be explained clearly". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be made clear"?

While "be made clear" is in passive voice, it's often appropriate when the actor is unimportant or unknown. If the actor is important, using active voice (e.g., "The speaker should make the point clear") might be preferable.

What's the difference between "be made clear" and "be clear"?

"Be clear" implies a state of being already understandable, while "be made clear" suggests an action needs to be taken to achieve understanding. For example, "The writing should "be clear"" versus "The requirements need to "be made clear"".