clear as day

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear as day" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is obvious and easy to understand, for example: His intentions were clear as day from the moment he arrived.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's clear as day.

The New Yorker

Clear as day.

The New York Times - Arts

Here is the reality, clear as day.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is as clear as day.

The Guardian

"I heard him clear as day," he said.

The New York Times

The issue here is as clear as day.

The Guardian

It has Alberto's writing on it clear as day".

The Guardian - Sport

"It was just a trial offer, clear as day".

The Guardian

It's clear as day what Spicer is doing here.

The Washington Post

Your voice is coming through clear as day.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Maintaining the delicate balance of your facial stubble, perfectly coiffed 'do, and clear-as-day skin can be cumbersome.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear as day" to emphasize that something is easily understood or readily apparent, leaving no room for confusion or misinterpretation. For example, "The instructions were clear as day, yet some people still struggled to follow them."

Common error

While "clear as day" is a valid idiom, avoid overusing it. Frequent repetition can make your writing sound uninspired. Consider using alternatives like "plain as day" or "crystal clear" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear as day" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that is easily understood or obvious. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to emphasize clarity and lack of ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Tech

6%

Books

3%

Less common in

Sport

1%

Academia

1%

Huffington Post

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clear as day" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe something that is easily understood or obvious. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily in the news and media category. While it is generally appropriate for neutral contexts, users should be mindful of overusing the cliché and consider more formal alternatives in certain situations. The phrase's function is to emphasize clarity and leave no room for doubt, making it a useful tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plain as day

This alternative emphasizes simplicity and lack of ambiguity.

crystal clear

This alternative highlights the absence of any confusion.

easily understood

This alternative focuses on the comprehensibility of something.

readily apparent

This alternative stresses the obviousness of something.

patently obvious

This alternative emphasizes the undeniable nature of something.

blindingly obvious

This alternative intensifies the degree of obviousness.

impossible to miss

This alternative suggests that something is so obvious it can't be overlooked.

unmistakable

This alternative highlights the lack of ambiguity or doubt.

obvious to all

This alternative emphasizes the widespread recognition of something.

out in the open

This alternative indicates that something is not hidden or concealed.

FAQs

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

You can use "clear as day" to describe something that is easily understood or obvious. For example, "His intentions were "clear as day" from the beginning."

What is a synonym for "clear as day"?

Synonyms for "clear as day" include "plain as day", "crystal clear", and "readily apparent". These all convey a sense of obviousness and easy understanding.

Is it appropriate to use "clear as day" in formal writing?

While "clear as day" is widely understood, it is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "unambiguous" or "patently obvious".

What's the difference between "clear as day" and "clear as mud"?

"Clear as day" means something is easy to understand, while "clear as mud" means something is confusing and difficult to understand. They are antonyms.