clear marker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear marker" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that distinctly indicates or signifies a particular point, quality, or characteristic. Example: "The sudden drop in temperature was a clear marker of the approaching storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

I hoped that Obama would lay down a clear marker.

The New York Times

"But they're laying down a very clear marker that they're going to be much more assertive about their role".

The New York Times

What he meant: First mention of policy, and a clear marker.

Independent

There is one clear marker for depression - suicide - and suicide rates have been recorded, with varying degrees of diligence, for centuries.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The substance -- a small, never-before-seen protein molecule -- may be a clear marker for mad cow disease and related ailments, a group of illnesses called prion diseases.

The New York Times - Health

He continued: "It sends out a clear marker to the sector that businesses that can, should pay the voluntary rate.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Clinical trials with barasertib may help to resolve this issue, since pHH3 is such a clear-cut marker of efficacy at the cellular level.

BMC Cancer

We want to put down some clear markers, not have such a polarised choice".

The Guardian

"Husbands" too seems to occupy a time frame of three or four days, though typically Cassavetes provides no clear markers in the narrative.

The New York Times

Mr. Gates seemed to take a third approach in his remarks to a major regional Asia security conference here, seeking to lay down clear markers of continued American commitments to the region while also obliquely criticizing China.

The New York Times

The Senate can now show that it takes its advice-and-consent role seriously by asking Mr. Mukasey tough questions about how he would fix these problems, and by laying down clear markers for how it expects him to do his job.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear marker" when you want to emphasize that something serves as an easily recognizable and unambiguous indicator of a particular fact, trend, or condition. It is especially effective when contrasting with more ambiguous or subtle signs.

Common error

Avoid using "clear marker" as a generic substitute for more precise terms like "criterion", "indicator", or "benchmark" when the specific nature of the marker is known. Using a more specific term can add clarity and nuance to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear marker" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'clear' modifies the noun 'marker'. It indicates something that serves as a distinct and easily identifiable sign or signal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear marker" functions as a noun phrase identifying something serving as a distinct sign. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts, notably in news, media, and scientific domains. This expression aims to highlight something specific that offers unambiguous evidence, guiding readers to perceive a situation or trend through a recognizable sign. When using "clear marker", ensure it provides a discernible and unmistakable indication, avoiding overuse in place of more precise terminology. Alternatives like "distinct indicator" or "obvious sign" can further refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct indicator

Emphasizes the separateness and recognizability of the indication.

obvious sign

Highlights the ease with which the sign can be noticed or understood.

unmistakable signal

Focuses on the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the conveyed signal.

definite indication

Stresses the certainty and explicitness of the indication.

evident symbol

Highlights the visibility and representational quality of the symbol.

apparent signifier

Emphasizes that something serves as an obvious symbol or indication.

explicit indicator

Focuses on the directness and unambiguity of the indicating factor.

patent manifestation

Emphasizes something readily apparent.

readable index

Highlights how easily something functions as the index.

conspicuous indicator

Draws attention to how noticeable the indicator is.

FAQs

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

You can use "clear marker" to indicate something easily recognizable that signifies a trend, condition, or point. For example, "The rise in unemployment is a "clear marker" of economic recession".

What can I say instead of "clear marker"?

You can use alternatives like "distinct indicator", "obvious sign", or "unmistakable signal" depending on the context.

Is "clear marker" formal or informal?

"Clear marker" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

Can "clear marker" refer to abstract concepts?

Yes, "clear marker" can refer to abstract concepts, such as a change in policy serving as a "clear marker" of a shift in strategic direction.