clearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'clearance' is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to describe a reduction in the price of something or the authorization to proceed with something. For example, "The store gave clearance for the new product launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the letter, Bachmann wondered how Abedin was not disqualified for a US security clearance "given what we know from the international media about Abedin's documented family connections with the extremist Muslim Brotherhood".

The Guardian

A Minnesota national guardsman faces federal fraud charges in connection with the theft of names, social security numbers and security clearance levels of roughly 400 members of his former army unit in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

The Guardian

Harry Maguire's botched headed clearance, under little pressure, dropped to the feet of Sean Kavanagh, who strode forward before picking out an unmarked Ross McCormack on the edge of the area.

The Guardian - Sport

She was seeking clearance for publication of her extremism strategy, which included the broadcasters' censorship proposal.

The Guardian

His team had been subjected to some intense pressure during the final moments and the game would have gone to penalties but for a brilliant goalline clearance from Joel Ward after Fernando Forestieri had curled a shot with the outside of his boot past Julián Speroni.

The Guardian - Sport

Still Boro came forward and Bettinelli had to dive to deny Reach, whose block of a clearance almost found the top corner.

The Guardian - Sport

Chelsea hope to confirm Juan Cuadrado's arrival from Fiorentina, subject to the player passing a medical and gaining international clearance, for an initial fee of around £23.3m over the weekend after the Colombia international visited the Viola's training ground to bid farewell to his team-mates.

The Guardian - Sport

The European commission and the US justice department gave clearance last week.

The Guardian - Business

It needed a timely clearance from Igor Shitov to prevent Yakubu from racing clear on goal and then Osman broke free inside the area after 54 minutes but his shot was scrambled to safety.

The Guardian - Sport

As Middle Eastern affairs expert Meir Javedanfar noted, "No Iranian delegate would dare take such a risk without clearance from the very top".

The Guardian

90 min+4: A superb clearance off the line from Kadlec keeps the Czech Republic in the tournament!

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing product "clearance", clearly state the reason for the reduced price, such as seasonal change or overstock.

Common error

Avoid using "clearing" when you mean "clearance". "Clearing" refers to the act of making something clear, while "clearance" refers to permission, space, or a sale.

Linguistic Context

The noun "clearance" functions primarily to denote permission or authorization, as seen in contexts like security "clearance" or international "clearance" for athletes. It can also refer to the act of clearing or a reduction in price. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correct and versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "clearance" is a versatile noun with multiple meanings, ranging from official authorization to discounted sales and physical space. Grammatically correct and widely used, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, "clearance" appears frequently across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. When using "clearance", it's crucial to consider the specific context to ensure clarity, such as specifying the type of security "clearance" or the reason for a product's reduced price. Avoiding confusion with "clearing" is also essential for accurate communication. Overall, mastering the nuances of "clearance" enhances precision in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authorization

Focuses on the act of giving official permission or approval.

approval

Emphasizes the act of officially agreeing to something.

permission

Highlights the act of allowing something to happen.

consent

Stresses voluntary agreement or acquiescence.

go-ahead

An informal term indicating that permission has been granted to proceed.

green light

Idiomatic expression for receiving approval to commence a project or action.

validation

Emphasizes the act of confirming or substantiating something's legitimacy.

ratification

Refers to the formal approval or sanctioning of an agreement or treaty.

sanction

Highlights the authoritative permission or approval of something.

discharge

Focuses on the act of releasing or relieving someone from an obligation or duty.

FAQs

How is "clearance" used in the context of security?

In security, "clearance" refers to the official authorization granting access to classified information or restricted areas. Obtaining security "authorization" involves a background check and assessment of trustworthiness.

What are some synonyms for "clearance" when referring to a sale?

When talking about a sale, you can use terms like "sale", "discount", "markdown", or "closeout" to describe "clearance" events or prices.

What does "international clearance" mean in sports?

"International clearance" in sports refers to the official "permission" required for an athlete to play for a new team in a different country. It ensures that the athlete is eligible and that any previous contractual obligations have been fulfilled.

How do I use "clearance" when talking about physical space?

When referring to physical space, "clearance" describes the amount of free space between two objects. For example, "The bridge has a vertical "headroom" of 15 feet" indicates the maximum height of a vehicle that can pass under it.