clear flaw

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear flaw" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a noticeable or obvious defect or imperfection in something, such as an argument, design, or plan. Example: "The report presented a clear flaw in the methodology, which undermined the validity of the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The clear flaw in this strategy is that it will alienate the Democratic base to some extent.

Forbes

This is a weaker line of evidence for evolution because there is no clear flaw to point to, simply the lack of design elements that could have protected the eye from problems.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

As he bluntly replied when I put my question to him, "the way so many of us wallow in our affluence while doing very little to help those in extreme poverty" is one clear flaw that the future ought to deplore, alongside our treatment of animals, which "will (I hope) seem to [our descendants] as barbarous as the Roman circuses now seem to us".

BBC

But the poll has a clear flaw in how primary voters are defined.

Huffington Post

Giuliani, however, said the exchange showed a clear flaw in the special counsel's investigation and called on Mueller's work to be suspended.

Huffington Post

First, one clear flaw is that at fast food establishments and other venues where free refills are the norm, nothing in the proposal would prevent customers from bypassing the soda limit by simply refilling their 16-ounce cup.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Meanwhile, Mr. Gingrich has a number of clear flaws as a candidate.

The New York Times

Anthony recognized that despite a 32-18 record heading into the All-Star break, the Knicks have clear flaws.

The New York Times - Sports

In the last year, reports by parliament's joint committee on human rights and Sir Scott Baker identified clear flaws in our extradition laws.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hopefully clear flaws will all be addressed addressed and ironed out by the time they make a film about your second-favourite iPhone app, Google Maps.

The Guardian - Film

"The clear flaws in this case raise serious concerns about rule of law and judicial independence in Myanmar," the U.S. Embassy there said in a statement.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clear flaw", ensure that the flaw is genuinely obvious and easily identifiable. Providing specific details about the flaw will strengthen your argument or description.

Common error

Avoid using "clear flaw" when the imperfection requires significant analysis or explanation to be understood. If the flaw isn't immediately apparent, choose a more nuanced descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear flaw" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "clear" modifies the noun "flaw". It describes a defect or imperfection that is easily noticeable and understandable. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clear flaw" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable phrase used to describe an easily identifiable defect or imperfection. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English across a variety of contexts, although it appears most frequently in news and media. While "clear flaw" is useful for highlighting obvious issues, it's essential to ensure the flaw genuinely warrants that description, ensuring you’re not overstating the obvious. Consider alternatives like "obvious defect" or "evident shortcoming" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious defect

Emphasizes the visible and apparent nature of the imperfection, similar to "clear flaw".

evident shortcoming

Focuses on the deficiency or inadequacy that is easily noticeable.

glaring imperfection

Highlights the striking and conspicuous nature of the flaw.

plain fault

Indicates a simple and easily recognizable mistake or defect.

unmistakable weakness

Points to a vulnerability that is impossible to ignore.

apparent imperfection

Stresses that the flaw is readily visible or understandable.

noticeable fault

Focuses on the fact that the fault is easy to detect or observe.

palpable weakness

Suggests a weakness that is so obvious it can almost be felt.

distinct defect

Emphasizes the clear and unambiguous nature of the defect.

readily apparent failing

Highlights that the failure is easily seen and understood.

FAQs

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

You can use "clear flaw" to point out an obvious error or imperfection. For example, "The "clear flaw" in the design was the lack of safety features."

What are some alternatives to "clear flaw"?

Alternatives include "obvious defect", "evident shortcoming", or "glaring imperfection", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "clear flaw" or "obvious flaw"?

Both "clear flaw" and "obvious flaw" are acceptable, but ""clear flaw"" might suggest a flaw that is easier to understand, whereas "obvious flaw" simply indicates it's easy to see.

What's the difference between "clear flaw" and "minor imperfection"?

"Clear flaw" suggests a significant and easily noticeable problem, while "minor imperfection" indicates a small and less important issue. The choice depends on the severity of the problem you are describing.