clear red

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The phrase "clear red" is not grammatically correct and is not used in standard written English.
However, it is used informally, particularly in British English, to describe a situation which is unambiguous in its outcome. For example, "The outcome of the vote was a clear red victory".

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, for a clear red that flatters anyone try King's Red Sinner, which stays true thanks to its equal amounts of blue and yellow.

Independent

"That elbow was a clear red card".

The Guardian - Sport

"I think it is a clear red card.

Independent

He assaulted me and it's a clear red card.

The Guardian - Sport

And clear "red lines" about what is permissible still exist.

The Guardian

The French have drawn a clear "red line" against losing their independent foreign policy.

The Economist

Yet "clear red water" was always more a slogan than a coherent ideology.

The Guardian - Opinion

The drillers cleaned off the muck, revealing a clear red mark on the metal.

The New Yorker

Mr. Obama has also rejected Mr. Netanyahu's demands to set clear "red lines" for Iran.

The New York Times

He added that China "must draw a clear red line against American attempts to surround it".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Beams of red light shone through rows of clear, red-capped bottles of the new vodka .More red!" Tariko shouted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual elements, ensure "clear red" is used to convey a precise and easily distinguishable shade. Avoid ambiguity by providing context, such as the material or object exhibiting the color.

Common error

Avoid using "clear red" metaphorically without a tangible connection to the color red. Abstract usages can dilute the impact of the phrase, consider synonyms with more established metaphorical meanings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clear red" is adjectival, modifying a noun to specify a particular quality of redness. Ludwig provides examples where it describes physical objects such as "tuna" or "metal", functioning as a compound adjective.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clear red" is an adjectival phrase used to describe a distinct shade of red. Despite Ludwig AI noting it as potentially grammatically incorrect but used informally, its usage is generally acceptable and found across various sources, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While it functions primarily as a descriptive term, it can also carry metaphorical weight, especially in phrases like "clear red line". When writing, ensure that the context justifies the use of "clear red" to maintain clarity and impact. Consider synonyms like ""vivid red"" or "distinct red" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unambiguous red

Replaces "clear" with "unambiguous" to emphasize lack of doubt or confusion regarding the redness.

definite red

Substitutes "clear" with "definite" to suggest a distinct and certain shade of red.

vivid red

Replaces "clear" with "vivid" emphasizing the intensity and brightness of the red color.

distinct red

Uses "distinct" instead of "clear" to highlight the well-defined nature of the red color.

pure red

Emphasizes the unmixed and unadulterated quality of the red color.

bright red

Focuses on the luminosity and intensity of the red hue.

crisp red

Suggests a clean and sharply defined red, often applicable to visual contexts.

evident red

Highlights the easily noticeable and apparent nature of the red color.

apparent red

Indicates that the red color is easily visible and obvious.

noticeable red

Highlights the quality of the red color being easily observed or detected.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The warning light was a "bright red", indicating immediate danger", or "The solution turned a "vivid red" after the addition of the reagent".

What does "clear red" mean in the context of political discourse?

In political contexts, phrases like "clear red line" often signify a boundary or condition that, if crossed, will provoke a strong reaction or response.

What are some alternatives to using "clear red" when describing color?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, consider using "distinct red", ""vivid red"", or "unambiguous red" as alternatives.

Is there a difference between "clear red" and "bright red"?

While both describe the color red, ""bright red"" emphasizes the intensity and luminosity of the color, whereas "clear red" suggests a pure, unmixed shade that is easily distinguishable.