clear passage

USAGE SUMMARY

"clear passage" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation in which a pathway is free to move through without any obstacles blocking it. For example, "We finally found a clear passage so we could continue on our route."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

A coral formation, it has a lagoon that lacks clear passage to the open sea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is an unusually clear passage amid the contorted legal "reasoning" in the just-released Jay Bybee memo of 2002, regarding the treatment of C.I.A. detainees.

The New Yorker

As seamen and seekers of clear passage to the Orient they were more interested in the currents, tides, soundings, and shoals.

The New Yorker

Half the mesh now complete, Turnock uses a homemade "crook" to lever up and knock down alternate wires, creating a clear passage for each cross wire.

The Guardian - Money

Many people's view of the balance between the right to a clear passage in public spaces and the right to demonstrate will tip.

The Guardian - Opinion

"At the moment, it's fingers crossed, we've had a clear passage, the conditions should be in his favour and the horse is in great form.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

There were some tense moments when the troopers demanded that some of the protesters back away from the office, and leave clear passages in the hallways for passers-by.

The New York Times

I hadn't noticed anything, except the words I was reading, and they came in cool, clear passages; I didn't stop or stumble once.

HuffPost

Doctors needed to quickly retune their ears so they could start deciphering this new soundscape: a nice resonance that announced clear passages, a thick dullness that warned of dangerous congestion, or a subtle alphabet of buzzing, crackling, and gurgling inbetween.

HuffPost

* American forces sustained 119 casualties killed in action during the Gulf War. * American Marines were able to clear passages through Iraqi minefields in their frontal assault on Iraqi lines.

Los Angeles Times

The Senate had already cleared passage of the bill, contingent upon House passage.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear passage" when you want to emphasize the absence of obstacles and the ease of movement through a specific area. For example, after clearing debris from the road, the rescue team had a "clear passage" to the accident site.

Common error

Avoid using "clear passage" when the primary concern is safety rather than the absence of obstructions. "Clear passage" indicates an unobstructed route, while "safe passage" implies protection from potential dangers. Use "safe passage" if the context involves potential threats or hazards.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear passage" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "clear" modifies the noun "passage". It describes a state or condition of being unobstructed. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts, indicating its versatility. The Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clear passage" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes an unobstructed route or pathway. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is appropriate for use in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, from encyclopedias to news reports, with a neutral register. Related phrases include "unobstructed path" and "easy passage". When using "clear passage", be mindful of its distinction from "safe passage", which implies protection from dangers. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's versatility in describing both literal and figurative pathways.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear path

A more concise and frequently used synonym, reducing redundancy while maintaining clarity.

clear route

Very similar to "clear path" but interchangeable.

easy passage

Highlights the ease of movement through the area, directly replacing "clear" with "easy".

unobstructed path

Replaces "passage" with "path" and "clear" with "unobstructed", focusing on the physical route.

open route

Similar to "unobstructed path", but uses a more concise and direct expression.

free access

Emphasizes the ease of entry or movement, shifting from a physical route to a more abstract concept.

unimpeded way

Focuses on the lack of obstacles, using more formal language.

open channel

Suggests a defined route that is not blocked, often used in technical contexts.

free flow

Describes a state of continuous, unhindered movement, applicable to traffic or fluids.

safe passage

Emphasizes the safety aspect of moving through an area, implying potential dangers.

FAQs

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

You can use "clear passage" to describe a route or space that is free from obstructions, like in the sentence: "The engineers worked to create a "clear passage" through the debris field."

What are some alternatives to "clear passage"?

Alternatives to "clear passage" include "unobstructed path", "free access", or "open route", depending on the specific context.

Is "clear passage" the same as "safe passage"?

No, "clear passage" simply means there are no obstructions, while "safe passage" implies protection from potential dangers along the route. The terms are not interchangeable.

When should I use "clear path" instead of "clear passage"?

"Clear path" is a more concise and frequently used alternative to "clear passage". You can often use "clear path" in most contexts where "clear passage" would be appropriate, especially when referring to a literal route.