clear branches

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear branches" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe branches that are free of obstructions or easily visible, often in the context of nature or organization. Example: "The gardener trimmed the bushes to ensure that the clear branches would allow more sunlight to reach the flowers below."

✓ Grammatically correct

Nature

Arboriculture

Horticulture

Forestry

Landscaping

Construction

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

John frequently unsheathed his machete to clear branches encroaching on the trail.

The New York Times - Travel

Naslund stopped periodically to use a pitchfork to clear branches out of ditch gratings.

The Guardian

When I contacted the company, I was told it does not clear branches from trees that grow over other owners' property, but I could do so at my own risk and cost.

The New York Times

The utilities were scrambling to bring in enough help from outside their territories to clear branches and fallen trees, replace broken poles and string new lines once the winds die down.

The New York Times

You clear branches in the Infinite Forest while on a timer and get time back for every enemy you kill or every seven sections you clear.

Forbes

You clear branches to add to a four minute timer and rack up extra seconds for a final five-stage boss fight.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Evania appendigaster, which was taken as an out-group, creates a clear branch outside for reference.

Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control

This problem may be exacerbated by poorly conserved splice-sites and the absence of clear branch-point motifs [4].

Plosone

However, at least for crested gibbon taxa, a clear branching pattern following a north to south axis is depicted by mitochondrial sequence data [9].

Plosone

In each case a clear branching SG-like structure developed (Fig. 1F,G,F′,G′; Table 1).

Biology Open

Within the prokaryotic group there is a clear branch comprising all the proteobacterial species [alphaproteobacteria (B.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing landscaping or gardening, use "clear branches" to convey the removal of unwanted or obstructing parts of a tree or shrub. It implies making space or improving visibility.

Common error

Avoid using "clear branches" when you mean to generally tidy up an area. This phrase specifically refers to the branches themselves, not the surroundings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear branches" functions primarily as a verb phrase followed by a noun. It describes the action of removing branches, often for the purpose of improving visibility, safety, or the health of a plant. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clear branches" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to describe the act of removing branches. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct in written English. It finds its place in diverse contexts, from news reports about storm cleanup to scientific discussions on tree morphology. While not exceedingly common, its meaning is clear and its usage straightforward. When considering alternative phrases, options such as "remove branches" or "prune branches" offer semantically similar options depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove branches

Focuses specifically on the act of taking branches away.

prune branches

Implies a more careful and deliberate removal of branches for plant health.

trim branches

Similar to prune, but can also refer to simply shortening the branches.

cut away branches

Emphasizes the action of severing and discarding branches.

lop branches

Suggests a more forceful or less refined cutting of branches.

eliminate branches

Broader term, indicating a complete removal or eradication of branches.

unobstructed branches

Shifts the focus to the state of the branches rather than the action of clearing.

tidy branches

Implies organizing or arranging branches in a neater fashion, perhaps after clearing.

free branches from obstacles

Focuses on the act of releasing branches from impediments.

make branches visible

Changes the focus to enhancing the visibility of branches rather than physically removing them.

FAQs

How is "clear branches" used in a sentence?

The phrase "clear branches" is typically used to describe the action of removing branches from a tree or other plant. For example: "The gardener worked to clear branches from the overgrown apple tree".

What is a good substitute for "clear branches"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "remove branches", "prune branches", or "trim branches".

Is it correct to say "cleared branches" instead of "clear branches"?

Yes, "cleared branches" is grammatically correct, but it functions as an adjective describing branches that have already been cleared. "Clear branches" is an imperative or infinitive phrase suggesting an action to be taken.

What tools are typically used to "clear branches"?

Common tools for "clear branches" include saws, loppers, pruners, and axes, depending on the size and location of the branches.