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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
clear opacity
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "clear opacity" is not correct and does not make sense in written English.
Opacity refers to the quality of being opaque, which means not allowing light to pass through, so "clear" contradicts that meaning. Example: "The glass had a clear opacity that made it difficult to see through."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
They are born blind, and, even when their eyes open, opacity prevents clear vision for six to eight weeks.
Encyclopedias
As her article makes clear, the opacity and secrecy of the systems give banks the upper hand and leaves at their whim the market's less pedigreed players.
News & Media
It is becoming clearer that opacity costs money, as untrusting foreign investors demand bigger returns.
News & Media
Haus aims to clear up that opacity by showing each offer, with its unique nuances, to both the seller and the other interested buyers.
News & Media
It seems clear from the opacity of the text that more details of the model variations should be described earlier, in order to make the paper easier to read.
Science
The inclusion criteria were a minimum age of 18 years, stable refraction for at least 1 year, a clear cornea without opacity, central corneal thickness more than 500 μm, calculated residual stroma more than 250 μm, intraocular pressure (IOP) less than 21 mmHg and no other ocular conditions, except myopic astigmatism.
Science
Corneal endothelium opacity cleared almost completely and no data of intraocular inflammation was found.
Early vitrectomy is reported to be useful for the treatment of posterior uveitis [10] including debridement of the toxins they produce, removal of vitreous membranes, and clearing of vitreous opacity.
The diagnosis of chyluria was confirmed by the ether test, which showed complete clearing of urinary opacity by the addition of ether to her milky urine.
Science
It is important that the digitizer be capable of registering signals over the full range of film opacity from clear to fully black without saturating.
Science
Finally, the tooth was imaged using polarised flashlights to give clear images of enamel opacities without reflections.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing materials or visual conditions, consider the specific degree of light transmission and clarity you wish to convey. Choose adjectives that accurately reflect this.
Common error
Do not combine terms that negate each other. "Clear" implies a lack of obstruction, while "opacity" suggests the opposite. Using them together creates a nonsensical description.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "clear opacity" attempts to combine an adjective of transparency with a noun indicating the opposite. However, this combination results in a contradictory expression, as noted by Ludwig AI.
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "clear opacity" presents a linguistic challenge due to its contradictory nature. As Ludwig AI points out, the combination of "clear" and "opacity" is inherently flawed, as clarity implies a lack of obstruction, while opacity suggests the opposite. Therefore, it is essential to avoid using this phrase in any context. When attempting to describe something that is neither fully transparent nor fully opaque, opt for alternative phrases like "translucent clarity", "partial transparency", or "hazy visibility", which more accurately convey the intended meaning. Proper use of language ensures clear and effective communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
translucent clarity
Replaces contradictory terms with an emphasis on partial light transmission and definition.
partial transparency
Highlights the aspect of some light passing through, but not complete visibility.
hazy visibility
Focuses on the reduced clarity of vision due to some obstruction.
semi-transparent quality
Emphasizes that the object is not fully see-through.
blurred translucence
Indicates a lack of sharp definition in the transmitted light.
limited visibility
Highlights the restricted capability to see through something.
filtered light
Describes light that has been altered or partially blocked.
softened visibility
Suggests that details are less distinct due to some obstruction.
dimly visible
Indicates that something can barely be seen.
cloudy transparency
Emphasizes the presence of an obstruction in an otherwise see-through material.
FAQs
How can I accurately describe something that is neither fully transparent nor fully opaque?
Use terms like "translucent", "semi-transparent", or "partially opaque" to indicate that some light passes through, but the object is not entirely see-through.
What is the difference between transparency and translucency?
Transparency allows light to pass through with minimal distortion, while translucency allows light to pass through but diffuses it, so objects on the other side are not clearly visible. You could say that translucency creates a "hazy visibility".
Is "clear opacity" ever appropriate to use?
No, "clear opacity" is a contradictory phrase. "Clear" suggests a lack of obstruction to light, while "opacity" means not allowing light to pass through. It is best to avoid this phrase entirely.
What are some visual examples of something with "translucent clarity"?
Examples include frosted glass, certain types of fabric, or a thin layer of fog. These materials allow some light through but do not offer complete visual clarity. Think of the difference between a window (transparent) and a shower door (translucent).
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested