clear of

USAGE SUMMARY

"clear of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "clear of" to mean "away from or out of the way of something." For example: "We need to fly clear of the storm clouds to avoid turbulence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I stay clear of that.

The New Yorker

Buyers steer clear of them".

The New York Times

Steer clear of "congratulatory scorecards".

The New York Times

Any you steer clear of?

The New York Times - Books

Some people steered clear of Mr. Sheikh.

The New York Times

But steer clear of motion-pictures stars.

The New Yorker

Please stay clear of the area.

Independent

"We try to steer clear of that".

The New Yorker

We should stay clear of strict deadlines.

The New York Times

He steered clear of Alexei Navalny.

The New Yorker

And stay clear of the cliff.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear of" to indicate physical separation, metaphorical avoidance, or being free from obligations or hindrances. For instance, "Stay clear of the construction zone" or "The report is clear of errors."

Common error

Avoid using "clear from" when "clear of" is intended. "Clear of" generally implies separation or avoidance, whereas "clear from" is less common and can sound awkward. For example, use "The path is clear of obstacles", not "The path is clear from obstacles".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of being free from something, or the act of avoiding something. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clear of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate separation, avoidance, or the absence of something undesirable. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in a wide array of contexts, from news reports to general advice. While grammatically sound and very common, it's important to distinguish its meaning from similar phrases like "clear from". Alternatives such as "free from" or "away from" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember to stay "clear of" common errors and embrace the phrase's utility in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free from

Emphasizes the state of being without something undesirable.

unencumbered by

Highlights the absence of burden or hindrance.

devoid of

Suggests a complete lack of something.

rid of

Indicates the act of getting rid of something.

away from

Focuses on physical or metaphorical distance.

distant from

Implies a significant separation or remoteness.

immune to

Suggests a resistance or protection against something.

protected from

Highlights the act of shielding or defending.

safe from

Emphasizes security and lack of danger.

exempt from

Indicates a state of not being subject to something.

FAQs

How is "clear of" used in a sentence?

The phrase "clear of" is used to indicate that something is free from an obstruction, danger, or something undesirable. For instance, "The runway is clear of snow" or "The project is now clear of any legal issues".

What's a good substitute for "clear of"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "clear of" include phrases like "free from", "away from", or "unobstructed by".

Is it correct to say "clear from" instead of "clear of"?

While "clear from" isn't inherently incorrect, "clear of" is the more common and natural-sounding choice in most contexts. It's generally best to stick with "clear of" to ensure clarity and avoid potential awkwardness.

What does it mean to "stay clear of" something?

To "stay clear of" something means to avoid it, either physically or metaphorically. For example, "Stay "clear of" that dangerous area" or "Stay "clear of" gossip".