clear misconception

USAGE SUMMARY

'clear misconception' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an idea or belief that is wrong or incorrect. For example, "This article aims to clear up the misconception that the Earth is flat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

While today's media tends to have one "expert" present each "side" of an argument, Oliver pointed out that, in the case of climate change, where 99/100 scientists agree that it is real and caused by humans, this one vs. one presentation creates a clear misconception for the viewer: a false equivalence.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But there is nothing coming in the other direction, with the result that India has very clear misconceptions about Pakistan".

The New York Times

"The CAB was very useful to help dispel rumours and clear misconceptions as they are known by the community and the community trusts them".

BMC Medical Ethics

"They have used their power of communication by clearing misconceptions during the special sermons on Fridays.

The Guardian - Opinion

" Then clear each misconception without getting angry.

WikiHow

i.e. 3 weeks, 1 month, etc. Just to clear another misconception.

WikiHow

The exhibition also seeks to clear up misconceptions about the Vikings.

The New York Times - Arts

Some new white arrivals are just glad to clear up misconceptions.

The New York Times - Sports

When she is asked why she is doing the show, she blathers about wanting to "clear up misconceptions".

The New York Times - Arts

An advantage of Zwivel is that it allows doctors to clear up misconceptions early in the process.

The New York Times

Data from the interviews also indicated that the system, constructed on cognitive conflicts, can help students clear their misconceptions of decimals numbers.

Computers & Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clear misconception", ensure the misconception is explicitly stated or clearly implied in the surrounding context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "clear misconception" can sound somewhat direct. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "address misunderstandings" or "clarify ambiguities" for a more nuanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear misconception" functions as a verb phrase where "clear" acts as a transitive verb, and "misconception" is the direct object. It describes the action of removing or correcting an inaccurate belief, as shown in the Ludwig example.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clear misconception" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of correcting an inaccurate belief. Although Ludwig indicates it is correct and usable, it is a relatively rare phrase. You can find it more commonly in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific and wiki-based writing. When using the phrase, ensure that the misconception itself is clear to the audience. If a more nuanced tone is required, particularly in formal writing, consider alternatives like "address misunderstandings" or "clarify ambiguities".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

correct misunderstanding

Replaces "clear" with "correct", focusing on setting something right.

correct false impression

Similar to "correct misunderstanding", but emphasizes impression management.

resolve misunderstanding

Focuses on bringing a misunderstanding to a conclusion.

dispel illusion

Uses "dispel" instead of "clear", suggesting a removal of a deceptive appearance.

clarify confusion

Shifts focus from a wrong idea to a state of being unclear.

eliminate confusion

Similar to "clarify confusion", but suggests removing all uncertainty.

address fallacy

Targets a specific type of misconception – a fallacy or flawed argument.

rectify error in thinking

More formal and emphasizes the correction of a "thinking" error.

explain the truth

Focuses on revealing the actual facts.

set the record straight

An idiomatic expression meaning to correct a false account.

FAQs

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

You can use "clear misconception" to indicate the act of correcting or clarifying a false or inaccurate belief. For example: "The presentation aimed to "clear misconception" about the company's financial status."

What are some alternatives to "clear misconception"?

Some alternatives to "clear misconception" include "correct misunderstanding", "dispel illusion", or "resolve misunderstanding". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to "clear up a misconception" or "correct a misconception"?

Both "clear up a misconception" and "correct a misconception" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Clear up" might sound slightly more informal, while "correct" is more direct and formal. Ultimately, the choice depends on the tone you want to achieve.

What's the difference between "misconception" and "misunderstanding"?

"Misconception" refers to a false or inaccurate belief, while "misunderstanding" refers to a failure to understand something correctly. "Clearing a misconception" involves correcting a false belief, while resolving a misunderstanding involves improving comprehension.