clear notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear notion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that someone has a well-defined or easily understood idea about something. Example: "After our discussion, I now have a clear notion of the project's objectives and goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a very clear notion of what is the energy in the gas.

Yale University

The Bolsheviks had seized power in 1917 without any clear notion as to how an economy should be run.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He and his advisers had no clear notion of what the application of American force was supposed to achieve.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Mr. Dolman has a clear notion of how he sees Christie's brand name versus the competition.

The New York Times

Yet they all speak without a clear notion of people's differential capacities to exercise power in their everyday lives.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite his almost childish pettiness, he had a clear notion of what he wanted and how to get it.

The New Yorker

We've given up the idea that our procedures, as they run, or as we look at them, mirror some clear notion of time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Reading Nicholas D. Kristof's column, I wondered whether the American public has a clear notion of the challenge that this condition presents to the clinician.

The New York Times

Mr. Lagerfeld, who has shown some hesitation about fur in recent years, now has a clear notion of his vision, saying, "Fendi is fur — and fur is Fendi".

The New York Times

He wants to "feature in magazine articles," and grandly imagines a future "retrospective of his work, without having any clear notion of what that work might be".

The New York Times - Books

It was, to all appearances, Cromwell who then came forward with a clear notion of how to achieve Henry's purpose without the Pope.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear notion" when you want to emphasize that someone possesses a well-formed and easily understandable idea or understanding about a subject. It's suitable for conveying both simple and complex concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "clear notion" when describing purely abstract or emotional states. It best suits contexts where understanding is grounded in factual or conceptual information, rather than feelings or vague impressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear notion" functions as a noun phrase, where "clear" is an adjective modifying the noun "notion". It is used to describe the quality of an idea or concept, indicating that it is well-defined and easily understood. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

25%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear notion" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to describe a well-defined understanding or idea about something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in various contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's best suited for describing conceptual understanding rather than abstract feelings. When looking for alternatives, consider options like "distinct idea" or "definite understanding" to add nuance to your writing. Overall, "clear notion" is a reliable choice for expressing a solid grasp of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct idea

Replaces "notion" with "idea", emphasizing a formed thought or concept.

definite understanding

Substitutes "notion" with "understanding", highlighting comprehension.

precise concept

Uses "concept" instead of "notion", suggesting a more formalized understanding.

unambiguous perception

Replaces both words with synonyms to convey a strong, easily understood view.

well-defined idea

Adds a descriptive adjective to 'idea' specifying clarity.

firm grasp

Uses a metaphorical expression suggesting secure understanding.

solid comprehension

Highlights the completeness and reliability of the understanding.

explicit awareness

Emphasizes a fully and clearly revealed understanding.

specific appreciation

Shifts the context slightly to indicate value and recognition with clarity.

evident realization

Highlights the moment of becoming fully aware with clarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "clear notion" to express that someone has a well-defined understanding of something. For example: "After the presentation, I had a clear notion of the project goals."

What are some alternatives to "clear notion"?

You can use alternatives like "distinct idea", "definite understanding", or "precise concept" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say 'clear notion' or 'clear understanding'?

Both "clear notion" and "clear understanding" are correct. "Clear notion" emphasizes the idea itself, while "clear understanding" focuses on the comprehension process. Choose the one that best fits the specific context.

What does it mean to have a 'clear notion' about something?

Having a "clear notion" about something means possessing a well-defined, easily understandable idea or concept. It implies a solid grasp of the subject at hand.