clear of them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear of them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is free from a particular group or influence. Example: "Make sure to keep the area clear of them to ensure safety during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I didn't steer clear of them, but I sure didn't join the gang!

Huffington Post

Buyers steer clear of them".

The New York Times

The rest of us should steer clear of them too.

The Guardian

Snowplows and street cleaners had to steer clear of them.

The New York Times

She loathed doctors and became a Christian Scientist in part to steer clear of them.

The New York Times - Books

They took a jibe and we jibed ahead and clear of them.

The New York Times - Sports

My fear became: "What if they asked you…?" I resolved to steer clear of them.

The New York Times

Victory would put Madrid seven points clear of them with nine games remaining.

The Guardian - Sport

India's Bala was well clear of them both in first place.

The Guardian - Sport

What happened at Wolves was a major disappointment, not least because we could have gone 10 points clear of them.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Davis was never left out of the racial jokes, although Bishop steered clear of them himself.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear of them" to indicate physical separation, such as in sports or navigation contexts. For example, "The boat needs to stay clear of them during the race."

Common error

Avoid using "clear from them" when "clear of them" is intended to indicate physical distance or avoidance. "Clear from" typically implies being free from a problem or responsibility, not necessarily distance. For example: "The road must be kept clear of them during the parade," not "clear from them."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear of them" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a state of being free from, or maintaining a distance from, a specific entity. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Forbes

4%

TechCrunch

3%

Vice

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear of them" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to convey the idea of being free from, avoiding, or surpassing a particular entity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its high frequency, especially in news and general web content, underscores its relevance in everyday language. Remember to use it when you want to express physical distance, strategic avoidance, or a position of superiority. Also, be careful not to confuse "clear of them" with "clear from them", as they have different meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free from them

Emphasizes a state of being unburdened or liberated.

away from them

Focuses on physical distance, similar to avoiding something.

rid of them

Implies removing something unwanted, a slightly stronger action.

separate from them

Highlights a distinction or division, often in a formal context.

at a distance from them

Stresses maintaining a specific physical or metaphorical separation.

beyond their reach

Indicates an inability to be affected or influenced.

out of their sphere

Suggests being outside of someone's influence or control.

independent of them

Focuses on autonomy and lack of reliance.

unaffected by them

Emphasizes a lack of impact or influence.

detached from them

Implies a lack of emotional or personal connection.

FAQs

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

The phrase "clear of them" indicates a state of being free from or avoiding something. For example: "Make sure to keep the area clear of them to ensure safety."

What are some alternatives to "clear of them"?

You can use alternatives like "free from them", "away from them", or "separate from them" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "clear of them"?

Yes, "clear of them" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe being free from something or maintaining a distance. The phrase is generally considered acceptable in standard English.

What is the difference between "clear of them" and "clear from them"?

"Clear of them" typically indicates physical separation or avoidance, while "clear from them" implies being free from a problem or influence. For example, you might keep an area clear of them (people), but be clear from them (accusations).