clear cut and objective

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear cut and objective" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is straightforward, unambiguous, and based on facts rather than opinions. Example: "The criteria for selection were clear cut and objective, ensuring a fair evaluation process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is important not only because it leads to a more clear-cut and objective classification of disease, but also because a classification based on real differences in etiology is more likely to translate into an appropriately targeted therapeutic approach.

BMC Ophthalmology

"It's very clear cut and black and white.

BBC

The overall objective is to harvest as early as possible, but to avoid clear cuts and plantations, and to maintain a permanent forest cover with natural regeneration.

Forest Ecosystems

Clear cuts and sapling stands became rare.

Environmental Science & Policy

Both partial cut treatments fell between clear cuts and uncut stands in terms of species richness and compositional similarity.

Forest Ecology and Management

Even if your plan refuses to work, having a clear cut objective will turn you into a more driven, focused fighter, and keep you from wandering around aimlessly.

WikiHow

In some situations the decision task may be relatively clear cut, objective diagnostic measures may be available for the assessment along with strong, evidence based guidelines for clinical management.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Large clear-cuts and obvious traces from forest operations were little appreciated.

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

"Let's be clear and objective about who we are.

The New Yorker

"The report does not provide a complete, clear and objective analysis of the student-lending market".

Huffington Post

Help seeking and decision making were seldom clear cut.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or policy documents, using "clear cut and objective" helps to demonstrate that decisions are made according to established rules and facts.

Common error

While "clear cut and objective" is appropriate in formal settings, using it too often in casual conversations or informal writing may sound overly stiff or unnatural. Consider using simpler language like "straightforward" or "unbiased" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear cut and objective" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying nouns to describe something as straightforward, unambiguous, and fact-based. It's often used to emphasize the impartiality and lack of ambiguity in a decision, analysis, or criteria. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

2.5%

Reference

2.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clear cut and objective" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that emphasizes straightforwardness, lack of ambiguity, and impartiality. While not exceptionally frequent, it finds its primary contexts in scientific, news media, and formal business settings. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and provides context. When aiming for impartiality and factual accuracy, consider incorporating "clear cut and objective" into your writing. However, be mindful of the potential for sounding overly formal in casual settings, and explore alternatives such as "straightforward and factual" or "unambiguous and impartial" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unambiguous and impartial

Replaces "clear cut" with "unambiguous" and "objective" with "impartial", maintaining the same sense of clarity and fairness.

Straightforward and factual

Substitutes "clear cut" with "straightforward" focusing on simplicity and "objective" with "factual", emphasizing truthfulness.

Definite and unbiased

Uses "definite" instead of "clear cut" to highlight certainty and "unbiased" to reinforce the lack of prejudice.

Precise and impartial

Replaces "clear cut" with "precise" emphasizing accuracy while retaining "impartial" for objectivity.

Explicit and neutral

Emphasizes clarity with "explicit" and neutrality with "neutral", similar to "clear cut and objective".

Well-defined and fact-based

Replaces "clear cut" with "well-defined" to underline distinctness, and uses "fact-based" for objectivity.

Unequivocal and dispassionate

Conveys certainty with "unequivocal" and emotional detachment with "dispassionate", mirroring the original phrase's intent.

Black and white and objective

Uses the idiom "black and white" to indicate simplicity and clarity, paired with "objective".

Clearly defined and unbiased

This alternative emphasizes definition and the absence of bias. It provides a similar level of neutrality while focusing on a structured format.

Resolute and detached

Using 'resolute' indicates a firm, determined decision, and 'detached' emphasizes an impartial perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "clear cut and objective" in a sentence?

You can use "clear cut and objective" to describe a decision, analysis, or criteria that is straightforward, unambiguous, and based on facts rather than opinions. For example: "The criteria for selection were clear cut and objective, ensuring a fair evaluation process."

What is a more formal alternative to "clear cut and objective"?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "unambiguous and impartial" or "explicit and neutral" to convey a similar meaning with a heightened sense of formality.

Is "clear cut and objective" redundant?

While both terms emphasize distinct qualities, "clear cut" focuses on the straightforward nature, while "objective" stresses impartiality and fact-based analysis. Using them together can reinforce the intended meaning.

Which is better: "clear and objective" or "clear cut and objective"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "clear cut and objective" implies a more decisive and definitive quality compared to just "clear and objective". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.