clear the way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'clear the way' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to express the idea of preparing a path or creating an opportunity for something. For example, you might say, "We need to clear the way for more efficient processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Clear the way!" men shouted.

The New York Times

Clear the way for departing convoys.

The New York Times

It would also clear the way to new sanctions.

The Guardian

Maybe the Federal Reserve will clear the way in December.

Independent

This, however, didn't clear the way to marriage with Beverly.

The New York Times - Books

Second, we can clear the way for workers to unionize.

The New York Times

The move will clear the way for Senate passage.

The New York Times

It means we'll clear the way to Baghdad faster".

The New York Times

That would clear the way for them to be sued.

The New York Times

A few try to tailgate the ambulance as police officers clear the way.

The New York Times

Court victories might clear the way for MBIA to start selling insurance again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear the way" when you want to emphasize the removal of obstructions to enable a specific action or outcome. For example, "Clear the way for innovation by reducing bureaucratic hurdles."

Common error

Avoid using "clear the way" when a simple adjustment or alteration is sufficient. The phrase implies a more significant effort to overcome substantial obstacles, so opt for simpler terms when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Clear the way functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily acting as a verb phrase. It is used to describe the action of removing obstacles or creating conditions that facilitate a particular outcome, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clear the way" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to describe the act of removing obstacles or creating opportunities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and can be applied across various contexts, although most frequently observed in news and media. When writing, it is important to ensure that phrase is scaled appropriately to the context, and options like "pave the way" or "make room for" provide nuanced alternatives. By paying attention to these subtleties, users can effectively employ "clear the way" to enhance their writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear a path

Similar, but slightly more literal, suggesting a physical route.

pave the way

Suggests preparing a path for future progress or success.

make room for

Focuses on creating physical or metaphorical space.

open the door for

Implies creating an opportunity or possibility.

remove obstacles

Directly addresses the act of eliminating impediments.

facilitate progress

Emphasizes making advancement easier.

prepare the ground

Focuses on foundational work to enable future actions.

set the stage

Implies creating a suitable environment for an event or action.

break down barriers

Highlights overcoming significant challenges.

enable access

Focuses on providing the means for entry or participation.

FAQs

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

You can use "clear the way" to indicate the removal of obstacles or the creation of opportunities. For example, "The new policy will "clear the way for" small businesses to thrive."

What are some alternatives to "clear the way"?

Alternatives include "pave the way", "make room for", and "open the door for". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "clear the way" or "clear the path"?

Both "clear the way" and "clear the path" are correct and similar in meaning. "Clear the way" is more idiomatic and versatile, while "clear the path" is more literal and often refers to a physical route.

What does it mean to "clear the way" for something?

To "clear the way" for something means to remove any obstacles or difficulties that are preventing it from happening or succeeding. It implies making it easier or possible for something to occur.