categorically clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "categorically clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to emphasize that something is completely and unequivocally clear or certain. Example: "The evidence presented at the trial was categorically clear, leaving no doubt in the jury's mind about the defendant's guilt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

To be categorically clear, I am not going anywhere until we win something".

The Guardian - Sport

"The Prime Minister has made categorically clear that the initial supporting deployment will be for a period of one week," Mr Simmonds said.

Independent

What Peter Goldsmith's statement does is make it categorically clear that there was a proper legal basis for the military action taken".

The Guardian

Now it is, and women make up over half the electorate.In a terse statement issued on January 31st, the ruling party, which has more than its fair share of the so-called "black-diamond" set, said it wished to make it "categorically clear" that it had no interest in running a nightclub or in endorsing its owners.

The Economist

Well, I'm glad we're being "categorically clear that Clean and Dry Intimate Wash is not about fairer female parts".

Vice

"Let us make this categorically clear," they replied, "that Clean and Dry Intimate Wash is not about fairer female parts.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But an ECB statement last night categorically cleared Broad of any involement with the account.

Independent

"Just to be clear categorically none of us have been fired, none of us have been culled, none of us have been shot in the head.

The Guardian

As my appellate brief and sworn testimony make clear, I categorically reject all of Judge Kaplan's findings.

Huffington Post

The degree of visibility for each body part was also evaluated categorically by the observers (clear, completely undistinguishable, or inferred - i.e. arm in line with the body but obscured by the body).

BMC Medical Research Methodology

A detailed analysis of these genome regions is provided in Additional file 4 to demonstrate that the annotation of these loci is sufficiently clear to categorically state that the AFP gene is absent in the five other species.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "categorically clear" when you want to emphasize that something is not only clear but also definitively and unambiguously so. It adds a strong sense of certainty to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "categorically clear" in very informal conversations or writing. The phrase is somewhat formal and can sound out of place in casual settings. Simpler alternatives like "completely clear" or "totally clear" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "categorically clear" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective, modifying a statement to emphasize its clarity. As Ludwig AI suggests, it underscores that something is completely and undeniably understood. The adverb "categorically" strengthens the adjective "clear".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "categorically clear" is a phrase used to emphasize that something is undeniably and unambiguously clear. As Ludwig AI correctly points out, this adverb-adjective pairing serves to eliminate any potential doubt or confusion, as reflected in its presence in news and scientific articles. While grammatically sound and effective in formal and neutral registers, it may seem overly formal for casual contexts. Be sure to consider the audience before deploying "categorically clear" to avoid sounding stilted. Use alternatives such as "absolutely clear" or "completely clear" when a less formal tone is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Absolutely clear

Replaces "categorically" with "absolutely", maintaining the emphasis on certainty but with a slightly different tone.

Unequivocally clear

Uses "unequivocally" instead of "categorically", stressing the unambiguous nature of the clarity.

Completely clear

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the clarity, indicating nothing is left unclear.

Totally clear

Similar to completely clear, implying full and absolute clarity.

Definitely clear

Substitutes "categorically" with "definitely", lessening the formality slightly.

Explicitly clear

Highlights that the clarity is stated directly and openly.

Indisputably clear

Indicates that the clarity is beyond any possibility of dispute or argument.

Unquestionably clear

Similar to indisputably clear, suggesting the clarity is beyond doubt.

Patently obvious

Shifts focus to the obviousness of something, rather than directly emphasizing clarity.

Crystal clear

Uses a metaphor to describe clarity, adding a descriptive element not present in the original phrase.

FAQs

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

You can use "categorically clear" to emphasize that something is definitively and unambiguously clear. For example: "The company's policy on harassment is "categorically clear": it will not be tolerated."

What are some alternatives to "categorically clear"?

Alternatives include "absolutely clear", "unequivocally clear", or "completely clear". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "categorically clear" formal or informal?

"Categorically clear" is considered a somewhat formal phrase. It's suitable for professional, news, and academic writing, but might sound stilted in casual conversation.

What does "categorically" mean in the phrase "categorically clear"?

In this context, "categorically" means without any doubt or condition; absolutely. It strengthens the adjective "clear", emphasizing the certainty and lack of ambiguity.