clear space

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear space" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an area that is free of obstacles or clutter, often in contexts like design, organization, or physical space management. Example: "Before starting the project, make sure to clear space on your desk to accommodate all the necessary materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was a clear space in between them.

The New York Times

Which was: clear space for him to paint.

The Guardian - Arts

"There's a clear space in the market," he enthuses.

The Guardian

Pairings can even clear space for new stories.

The New York Times

That made it impossible to clear space for bands.

The New York Times

The amount of clear space will vary depending on the size of the logo.

Stanford University

A clear space of 4 feet (1.3 metres) around the court is needed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She offered her theater, postponing another show to clear space this season.

The New York Times

People inside the truck were trying to clear space by rearranging other art projects.

The New Yorker

"It looked like a basketball play, trying to clear space, to me".

The New York Times - Sports

He soon moved to the outside and with some clear space ahead mounted his challenge.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial arrangements, ensure the phrase "clear space" is followed by specific details about dimensions or purpose to enhance clarity. For example, "Leave a clear space of at least three feet around the machine."

Common error

Avoid using "clear space" metaphorically without a tangible spatial referent. Ensure the context involves physical space or a directly analogous concept to maintain coherence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear space" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb. It denotes an area that is free from obstructions or clutter. Ludwig provides various examples where "clear space" is used to describe physical spaces or abstract concepts requiring room for action or thought.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear space" is a versatile term used to describe areas free from obstructions, suitable for various activities or purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys very common usage across diverse contexts, from news media and academia to science and general instructions. When writing, it's essential to ensure the context involves physical space or a directly analogous concept. Alternatives include "open area", "unobstructed area", and "free area". While authoritative sources frequently employ the phrase, clarity and appropriateness to the context remain paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open area

Focuses on the unobstructed nature of the area.

unobstructed area

Highlights the lack of obstacles in the designated area.

free area

Emphasizes the freedom from obstruction within the space.

empty space

Stresses the absence of contents or objects within the area.

vacant area

Suggests the space is available and not currently in use.

designated area

Implies the space is specifically allocated and kept clear.

available space

Highlights that the space is accessible and ready for use.

uncluttered space

Emphasizes the absence of clutter, implying tidiness.

prepared area

Suggests the space has been readied for a specific purpose.

unrestricted area

Focuses on the absence of limitations or boundaries within the space.

FAQs

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

You can use "clear space" in a sentence to describe an area that is free from obstructions. For example, "Make sure to "clear space" before you start exercising".

What's the difference between "clear space" and "empty space"?

"Clear space" suggests an area free from obstacles, while "empty space" implies a void or area devoid of contents. The term "empty space" focuses on the absence of anything inside.

What can I say instead of "clear space"?

You can use alternatives like "open area", "unobstructed area", or "free area" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "clear space" or "create space"?

The choice depends on the context. "Clear space" refers to removing obstructions from an existing area, while "create space" implies generating a new area or adapting an existing one. Therefore, to "clear space" means the action of cleaning an existing space while the expression "create space" is used when we want to indicate building a new area.