clear-cut solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clear-cut solution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a straightforward and unambiguous answer to a problem or issue. Example: "After reviewing all the options, we finally found a clear-cut solution to the dilemma we were facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

If race is taken as the guiding principle, there is no obvious or clear-cut solution.

The Economist

"I don't think there is a clear-cut solution for the Israeli-Arab conflict in this generation".

The New Yorker

"I do not have a clear-cut solution," he concedes, before reverting to the old argument that "Jordan is Palestine".

The Economist

No matter how clear things might become in the forest of story, there was never a clear-cut solution, as there was in math.

The New Yorker

"I thought it had to become impossible to give a fast, easy, clear-cut solution, because no solution of this sort could accord with the reality," he wrote in his 1989 autobiography, "Warrior".

The New York Times - Magazine

When eco-friendly concerns become fractured and some fight for access to healthy food while others protest a vital access to clean water, it's hard to identify a clear-cut solution.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Across the boulevard, in a dim warren of rooms at the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, Arolat's exhibition does not provide the tidy white space and clear-cut solutions that Grima's does.

The New York Times

In contrast, policymakers want clear-cut solutions to real-world problems right now.

Science Magazine

Climate change adaptation is a wicked problem; that is, there are no clear-cut solutions and stakeholders at each site disagree on values, norms and first steps, making adaptation difficult.

Landscape and Urban Planning

Its strength lies less in devising answers or proposing solutions to known problems than in posing questions that sensitize observers to new, emerging problems for which as yet no clear-cut solutions exist.

European Journal of Futures Research

Secondly, acknowledging complexity means that governance should be less about defining clear-cut solutions and more about making explicit the political issues that are at stake in science and technology.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear-cut solution" when you want to emphasize that the answer or resolution is straightforward and leaves no room for doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "clear-cut solution" in situations where the solution is actually complex or requires nuanced understanding. The phrase can be misleading if the issue is not truly simple.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear-cut solution" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "clear-cut" modifies the noun "solution". It is used to describe a solution that is obvious, straightforward, and easily understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clear-cut solution" is a common phrase used to describe a solution that is straightforward and unambiguous. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and it appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring that the solution is truly simple and doesn't oversimplify complex issues. Alternatives such as "definitive solution" or "straightforward answer" can be used depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Definitive solution

Emphasizes the finality and decisiveness of the solution.

Straightforward answer

Focuses on the simplicity and ease of understanding the solution.

Unambiguous resolution

Highlights the clarity and lack of uncertainty in the resolution.

Simple fix

Suggests a quick and easy solution to a problem.

Easy answer

Highlights the accessibility and lack of difficulty in understanding the answer.

Ready remedy

Implies a solution that is readily available and can be applied quickly.

Obvious answer

Suggests the solution is easily noticeable and requires little thought.

Distinct resolution

Focuses on the clarity and definiteness of the resolution.

Certain solution

Indicates a solution that is guaranteed or highly likely to work.

Immediate resolution

Emphasizes the speed and promptness of the solution.

FAQs

How to use "clear-cut solution" in a sentence?

You can use "clear-cut solution" to describe a straightforward and easily understood answer to a problem. For example: "After careful analysis, we found a "clear-cut solution" to the budget deficit."

What can I say instead of "clear-cut solution"?

You can use alternatives like "definitive solution", "straightforward answer", or "unambiguous resolution" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "clear-cut solution"?

It's appropriate to use "clear-cut solution" when the answer is obvious, easily implemented and doesn't have a lot of ambiguity. If an issue is complex and requires nuanced understanding, this is not a good fit.

What is the difference between "clear-cut solution" and "possible solution"?

"Clear-cut solution" implies a definite and straightforward answer, whereas "possible solution" suggests a potential answer that requires further evaluation or testing.