clear the issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear the issue" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to resolve or clarify a problem or confusion. Example: The CEO held a press conference to clear the issue surrounding the company's financial statements. Another example: The mediator helped the two parties clear the issue and reach a compromise.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The hospital disagrees, though it is clear the issue was discussed.

The Guardian

One thing is clear: the issue has been very good for Democrats.

The New York Times

I sometimes joke onstage that I then slept with her to clear the issue up.

The Guardian

"We believe it's pretty clear, the issue of dilution and confusion aren't really triggered here," he said.

The New York Times

As the Johns case and the subsequent lawsuit makes clear, the issue of 911 compatibility is one that continues to plague the VoIP industry.

MIT Technology Review

See Brief for Respondent 5 n. 2. But, as the transcript makes clear, the issue arose when the trial court sustained the State's objection to introduction of the alibi testimony.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Although short on surprises their selection is well considered, and they mixed things in ways that make clear the issues that drove art at the time.

The New York Times - Arts

The push and pull between the two campaigns to control the debate today made clear the issues they consider to be strongest for their candidates.

The New York Times

I think it is clear the issues I have spoken about are not just going to go away.

BBC

But as the recent death of Yale University physics student Michele Dufault makes clear, the issues it uncovers apply to other disciplines as well.

Science Magazine

But when the dust clears, the issue before the Senate also needs to be clear to the American people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clear the issue", ensure the context makes it clear what specific issue is being addressed to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the issue directly after the phrase, such as "clear the issue of funding".

Common error

Avoid using "clear the issue" without specifying what issue you are referring to. Vague usage can confuse readers. Instead of saying 'We need to clear the issue,' specify 'We need to clear the issue of project delays'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear the issue" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It's used to describe the action of resolving, clarifying, or eliminating confusion surrounding a specific problem or topic. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various news and media outlets confirming this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clear the issue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as supported by Ludwig's analysis. It conveys the action of resolving or clarifying a problem, often with the intent to foster understanding. Found primarily in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it appropriate for a wide range of writing styles. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and common usage, highlighting its effectiveness in communicating the resolution or clarification of a specific problem.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve the issue

Focuses more directly on finding a solution to the issue.

clarify the matter

Emphasizes making the issue more understandable.

settle the question

Implies bringing an issue to a final conclusion.

straighten out the problem

Suggests correcting or fixing an issue.

iron out the difficulty

Implies removing small problems that are preventing success.

address the concern

Highlights taking action to deal with a worry or problem.

sort out the situation

Suggests organizing or resolving a confused or problematic situation.

resolve the conflict

Focuses on ending a disagreement or dispute.

get to the bottom of the problem

Emphasizes finding the root cause of the issue.

disambiguate the subject

A more formal way to express making the subject less ambiguous.

FAQs

What does "clear the issue" mean?

"Clear the issue" means to resolve a problem, clarify a misunderstanding, or eliminate confusion surrounding a particular subject or situation. It implies bringing clarity and understanding to something that was previously unclear.

How can I use "clear the issue" in a sentence?

You can use "clear the issue" in sentences like: "The company held a meeting to "resolve the issue" of low employee morale", or "The politician tried to "clarify the matter" regarding his financial disclosures to "settle the question" once and for all".

What are some alternatives to "clear the issue"?

Some alternatives to "clear the issue" include "resolve the issue", "clarify the matter", "settle the question", or "address the concern", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "clear the issue" or "resolve the issue"?

Both "clear the issue" and "resolve the issue" are valid phrases, but "resolve the issue" often implies a more definitive solution, while "clear the issue" can simply mean clarifying or making something understandable, not necessarily fixing it. The best choice depends on the context.