clear of obstructions

USAGE SUMMARY

"clear of obstructions" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe the path or route someone is taking as they traverse an area. For example: "The mountain climber carefully navigated the rocky terrain, winding around sharp cliffs and keeping clear of obstructions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

They are all now regarded as a threat to native species and a hindrance to keeping waterways clear of obstructions.

The Guardian

Keeping your router clear of obstructions and away from other appliances which emit signals, such as a cordless phone, can also help.

Independent

Busy commuter stations in London and across the south-east were eerily deserted for the normal Monday morning return-to-work, as rail operators decided to suspend services until Network Rail officials had checked the tracks were clear of obstructions.

The Guardian

The legislature found, for reasons sufficient to itself, that such additional width, kept clear of obstructions, would promote the safety of the employees, and we are not prepared to say that in enacting such legislation it violated the Federal Constitution.

Cornell University

(b) Each deck where a lifeboat, liferaft, survival craft, rescue boat, life float, or buoyant apparatus is stowed, launched, or boarded must be kept clear of obstructions that would interfere with the breaking out, launching, or boarding of the lifesaving appliance.

Cornell University

The route is mostly open to general traffic and clear of obstructions and roadworks.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Be sure the firearm's barrel, chamber, and action are clear of obstruction before firing.

WikiHow

The Horsa and Hamilcar gliders of the brigade landed at 21 00 on 6 June in a landing zone cleared of obstructions by the 5th Parachute Brigade.

Wikipedia

The court of appeal quashed a decision by East Sussex county council to divert the 140-year-old Framfield path, near Uckfield, rather than clear it of obstructions.

The Guardian

The PDC was cleared of obstruction and omentum.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

The Consumer Reports title in the US recommends treadmill users always use the safety key to ensure the machine turns off in case of a fall, and advises that exercise machines should be kept clear of potential obstructions at the back and sides.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing safety protocols or guidelines, use "clear of obstructions" to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings regarding potential hazards.

Common error

While "clear of obstructions" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in very informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "unobstructed" or "free of obstacles" might be more appropriate in casual conversation or less formal texts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear of obstructions" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe a state of being free from obstacles. This is evident in the Ludwig examples, where it modifies terms like "waterways", "tracks", and "environment".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

44%

News & Media

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clear of obstructions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that describes a state of being free from obstacles. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its acceptability and usability across various contexts. The phrase is particularly prevalent in safety guidelines, instructions, and descriptions of accessible environments, and it maintains a neutral register. While it appears frequently in Wiki articles and News & Media sources, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives in informal settings. The related phrases, such as "free from obstacles" and "unobstructed", offer semantically similar options for varied writing styles. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "clear of obstructions" ensures precise and effective communication in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free from obstacles

Emphasizes the absence of hindrances; slightly more formal.

unobstructed

A single-word adjective; more concise and direct.

free of impediments

Uses a more formal word, 'impediments', for obstacles.

without obstructions

Expresses the same meaning using a different prepositional phrase.

with no obstacles

Replaces 'obstructions' with 'obstacles', a common synonym.

having a clear path

Focuses on the resulting path being clear.

easily accessible

Highlights the ease of reaching something due to the lack of obstructions.

open and navigable

Describes a space that is both open and easy to move through.

kept clear

Focuses on the action of maintaining a space free from obstructions.

obstacle-free

Concise, adjective form indicating a lack of obstacles.

FAQs

How can I use "clear of obstructions" in a sentence?

You can use "clear of obstructions" to describe a physical space, a path, or a process that is free from obstacles. For example, "Ensure the runway is "clear of obstructions" before takeoff".

What are some alternatives to saying "clear of obstructions"?

Some alternatives include "free from obstacles", "unobstructed", or "with no obstacles", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "clear of obstructions" or "free of obstructions"?

Both "clear of obstructions" and "free of obstructions" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context, but "clear of obstructions" may be slightly more common in certain situations.

What does it mean to keep something "clear of obstructions"?

To keep something "clear of obstructions" means to ensure that there are no objects or obstacles blocking or hindering its use or passage. This is often important for safety, efficiency, or proper functioning.