clear from the context

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear from the context" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to explain that if something is not explicitly stated, the meaning can still be inferred from what has come before or is known about the situation. For example, "The teacher didn't give her students any advice on how to handle the difficult material, but it was clear from the context that she expected them to review the notes and discuss the concepts with each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fortunately, it was clear from the context what she meant, and no international incidents ensued.

The New York Times

The academy rubbed out the accent, arguing that the meaning would be clear from the context.

The New York Times

It is clear from the context that this member was no hawk, but voted against an increase in rates.

The Economist

Though the letter did not cite Mr. bin al-Shibh by name or describe the conditions under which he was interrogated, his identity was clear from the context.

The New York Times

While the armed services aren't mentioned specifically, it's clear from the context that Dad is off to Iraq or somewhere just as scary.

The New York Times

It was clear from the context though, that the letter would be needed by someone for a secret mission, most likely in Afghanistan, the official added.

The New York Times

But it is clear from the context of his remarks that he is concerned about Mrs. Bachmann, who has surged in the polls in recent weeks.

The New York Times

When Hamlet says a custom is more honoured in the breach than the observance, he means it is more honourable to break it than keep it, as is clear from the context (Claudius's celebration of his usurpation of the throne).

The Guardian

However, it is clear from the context that suicide is the only risk factor and that Durst can be transferred back to the Orleans Parish prison as soon as he is "no longer a risk to himself".

The Guardian

Mr. Lowles said that under British law it was possible to libel someone indirectly or by innuendo, even if the incorrect accusations were not mentioned directly, as long as they were clear from the context.

The New York Times - Tech

Thus the Nama root khoe- 'person' appears as khoe-s 'woman,' khoe-b 'man,' khoe-i 'person.' In Khoe languages of the Non-Khoekhoe branch these suffixes may be dropped when the gender is clear from the context.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clear from the context", ensure that the surrounding text provides sufficient information for the reader to accurately infer the intended meaning. Avoid ambiguity by providing enough clues within the text.

Common error

A common mistake is to assume the reader has the same background knowledge as you. Even if something seems "clear from the context" to you, consider whether someone unfamiliar with the topic would understand it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear from the context" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate how something is understood or interpreted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests that understanding is derived from the surrounding textual or situational cues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear from the context" is a versatile tool for conveying implied meaning, signaling that the surrounding information is sufficient for understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Its frequent use in science, news, and encyclopedic sources suggests its value in both formal and informal communication. When employing this phrase, remember to provide enough contextual information to avoid ambiguity and ensure accurate interpretation. Related phrases include "easily understood through context" and "deducible from the context". By considering potential errors, such as assuming too much prior knowledge, writers can effectively use "clear from the context" to enhance concision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easily understood through context

This alternative emphasizes ease of understanding due to the surrounding information.

deducible from the context

This alternative focuses on the act of inferring meaning from the available information.

evident within the context

This alternative highlights the obviousness of the meaning within the given situation.

inferred from the circumstances

This shifts the focus slightly to the surrounding circumstances rather than the text itself.

understood implicitly through the situation

This emphasizes the tacit understanding derived from the situation at hand.

apparent by the setting

Focuses on the setting making something obvious.

discernible given the background

This highlights the ability to perceive the meaning based on prior knowledge or background information.

unspoken but understood

Implies the meaning is communicated without direct expression.

implicit in the wording

Indicates that the meaning is subtly suggested within the phrasing.

derivable from what's stated

Highlights that the meaning is a logical consequence of what is expressed.

FAQs

How can I use "clear from the context" in a sentence?

Use "clear from the context" when you want to indicate that something is understood or can be inferred without being explicitly stated. For example, "Although the instructions were brief, the steps were "clear from the context" because of the diagrams."

What does "clear from the context" mean?

The phrase "clear from the context" means that something is understood or can be inferred from the surrounding information, even if it is not explicitly stated.

What are some alternatives to "clear from the context"?

Some alternatives to "clear from the context" include "obvious from the context", "evident from the context", or "easily understood through context".

Is it better to be explicit instead of relying on something being "clear from the context"?

While brevity can be valuable, clarity is paramount. If there's any chance of misunderstanding, it's generally better to be explicit. However, in many situations, relying on what's "clear from the context" can avoid unnecessary repetition or detail.