clear title

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear title" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal and real estate contexts to refer to ownership of property that is free from liens or claims. Example: "Before purchasing the property, I need to ensure that the seller has a clear title to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But many properties lack clear title, and there is no proper land registry.

The Economist

The Getty counters that it bought the statue through legal channels and with clear title.

The New York Times - Arts

It also received clear title to the northern area being exploited by the Hudson's Bay Company.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Temperate forests are usually treated as assets, and have owners with clear title.

The Economist

A good clear title, which places the reader and opens the door of the poem.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Swann says Mr. McAuliffe was named as a defendant to clear title to the land.

The New York Times

I once had to track down 32 distant relatives in order to clear title.

The Washington Post

Mr. Weigman noted that Sotheby's requires consignors to guarantee that they have clear title.

The New York Times - Arts

Nearly all the divisions have two teams at the top that are clear title favorites.

The New York Times - Sports

They received $1,000 and the buyer got clear title to a lot as promised.

The New York Times

Abstracts should be 350 words maximum with a clear title and summary of arguments to be used.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing real estate transactions, always verify that the seller can provide a "clear title" to avoid future legal complications.

Common error

Don't assume that obtaining a "clear title" completely eliminates the possibility of future disputes. Title insurance is still recommended to protect against undiscovered issues or fraudulent claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear title" functions as a noun phrase, where "clear" modifies the noun "title". It describes the quality of ownership or legal right to something, indicating that it is free from any encumbrances or disputes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clear title" is a frequently used and grammatically correct term that signifies full and unencumbered ownership, particularly in real estate and legal contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used. Its usage spans various domains including News & Media, Academia and Wiki. To ensure smooth transactions, it is advisable to verify "clear title" and consider title insurance to protect against unforeseen issues. Alternatives like "unencumbered ownership" can be used to convey similar meaning, but "clear title" remains the most common and readily understood term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unencumbered ownership

Focuses on the lack of burdens or claims on the ownership.

free and marketable title

Emphasizes the transferability and legality of the title.

good and indefeasible title

Highlights the strength and security of the title against challenges.

perfected title

Suggests that all legal requirements for the title are fully met.

valid claim of ownership

Stresses the legitimacy and enforceability of the ownership claim.

lawful entitlement

Highlights the legal basis for the right to possess.

undisputed right

Focuses on the lack of challenges or disagreements regarding the right.

unclouded title

Emphasizes the absence of any factors that might cast doubt on the ownership.

definitive ownership

Highlights the conclusive and unquestionable nature of the ownership.

absolute title

Emphasizes the complete and unrestricted nature of the ownership.

FAQs

What does it mean to have a "clear title"?

Having a "clear title" means that the ownership of a property is free from any liens, encumbrances, or claims that could challenge the owner's rights.

How can I ensure I receive a "clear title" when buying property?

You can ensure you receive a "clear title" by conducting a thorough title search and obtaining title insurance. This helps identify and protect against potential issues.

What happens if a title is not clear?

If a title is not clear, it may have issues like outstanding mortgages or legal claims that can prevent the transfer of ownership or lead to future legal disputes. In such cases, you might need to pursue a "quiet title action".

What are some alternatives to saying "clear title"?

Some alternatives to saying "clear title" include "unencumbered ownership", "free and marketable title", or "good and indefeasible title" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.