clear as crystal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear as crystal" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is usually used as a simile to describe something that is extremely clear, precise, or easy to understand. Example: The instructions on the package were as clear as crystal, and I had no trouble assembling the furniture.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

That made the forest a cathedral clear as crystal like a cunt.

The New Yorker

Obviously, Finley's mind was clear as crystal when he batted yesterday against Maddux.

The New York Times - Sports

And there it all was, clear as crystal: what more did you need?

The New York Times

In explaining the store's mysteries, the staff is not always as clear as crystal.

The New York Times

It comes with a scoop of tingling lemon-verbena ice cream, its flavor as clear as crystal.

The New York Times - Food

It was a beautiful little stream, the water pure and clear as crystal, shining with light, but the banks were stacked with dead fish.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Pulling rocks away from the mouth of the hidden cave and taking our courage in both hands, we pulled on our swimming costumes and dived into clear-as-crystal water, almost too hot to bear.

The Guardian - Travel

At Quiquiriqui the bottles shine as clear as crystals in a Swarovski shop window.

Independent

Not only does his painting look just like him, but, the grim exasperation in his eyes at having to do the damned painting at all is crystal clear as well.

Huffington Post

In her Anchorage commentary, Palin made her views crystal clear as well, writing that eliminating her state's CON program "will allow free-market competition and reduce onerous government regulation".

Huffington Post

That is, until a Pasadena judge, Benjamin Eaton, visited in 1887 and proclaimed: "The water is clear as a crystal and the party found it good to drink". Crystal Lake it has remained ever since.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, ensure that it resonates with the overall tone and style of your writing, aligning effectively with the intended audience.

Common error

While effective, "clear as crystal" is a simile that can become trite with overuse. Consider varying your descriptions of clarity with alternatives like "easily understood" or "unambiguous" to maintain freshness in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear as crystal" functions primarily as a simile, a figure of speech that compares one thing to another to make a description more vivid or emphatic. As Ludwig AI states, it describes something extremely clear, precise, or easy to understand.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The simile "clear as crystal" is a common and effective way to describe something that is easily understood or exceptionally transparent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and sees frequent use in various writing contexts. While there are many alternative phrases that can be used, it is important to avoid overusing it to prevent it from becoming a cliché. The frequency of "clear as crystal" in news and media suggests it maintains a neutral register, suitable for broad audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crystal clear

A more concise and direct way to express the same idea of perfect clarity.

perfectly clear

Highlights the completeness of the clarity.

plain as day

An informal idiom emphasizing obviousness.

easily understood

Focuses on the comprehensibility of something, rather than its visual clarity.

straightforward

Highlights the simplicity and ease of understanding.

lucid

A more formal term for clarity, often used in writing or explanations.

unambiguous

Emphasizes the lack of potential for misinterpretation.

explicit

Emphasizes that something is stated directly and without vagueness.

readily apparent

Suggests that something is obvious and easily noticed.

transparent

Highlights openness and lack of hidden information.

FAQs

How can I use "clear as crystal" in a sentence?

You can use "clear as crystal" to describe anything that is very easy to understand or see. For example, "The instructions were "clear as crystal", so I had no trouble assembling the desk."

What are some alternatives to saying "clear as crystal"?

Some alternatives to "clear as crystal" include "crystal clear", "easily understood", or "unambiguous". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "clear as crystal" a cliché?

Yes, "clear as crystal" is a simile that is somewhat cliché. While it's perfectly acceptable to use, consider alternatives to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

What's the difference between "clear as crystal" and "crystal clear"?

"Clear as crystal" is a simile, comparing something to the clarity of crystal. "Crystal clear" is a more direct adjective, but both convey the same meaning.