cleared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cleared" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something has been removed, resolved, or made clear, often in relation to information or obstacles. Example: "The confusion was cleared after the meeting, and everyone understood their roles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Redactions marked in the text were made by the US government when Mohamedou Ould Slahi's diary was cleared for public release Listen to live and recorded readings by Brian Eno, Colin Firth and others, as well as a panel discussion with Slahi's lawyer and brother about this remarkable account of imprisonment.

The Guardian

Electricity was expected to be restored in Yirrkala once a tree was cleared from the power line.

The Guardian

A massive onshore windfarm on Shetland which is expected to be one of the most productive in the world has been cleared to go ahead after a final legal challenge failed.

The Guardian

Though devastating for the dinosaurs, the asteroid strike cleared the way for other animals to gain ground and thrive on the planet.

The Guardian

The home side persevered, throwing bodies forward, but in the 76th minute Hanlon's header from a Francomb corner was cleared off the line by Jonathon Tiffoney, before Osbourne miscued in front of goal when he looked poised to score.

The Guardian - Sport

A crisis-hit hospital has been cleared of deliberately manipulating cancer treatment waiting times – with a review finding any failings were the result of managerial incompetence, not corruption.

The Guardian

An American couple cleared by a Qatari appeals court of wrongdoing in the death of their eight-year-old adopted daughter but blocked from leaving the country held out hope on Monday that they would soon be allowed to leave the tiny Gulf nation, as a family representative blasted a continued travel ban against them as "institutional kidnapping".

The Guardian

As she cleared up, she found the letter from Richard.

The Guardian

Ms Platell, who took her share of the blame for Mr Hague's defeat, cleared her desk at Tory HQ in Westminster on Wednesday and left for good - earlier than expected, as she had previously said she would go when Mr Hague hands over to his successor.

The Guardian

The band's singer Michael Stipe and Buck's wife Stephanie burst into tears as the jury cleared him of a charge of being drunk on an aircraft last April, two counts of common assault, and one charge of damaging BA crockery.

The Guardian

Two of Britain's biggest pork pie and sausage roll suppliers are hopeful they will be free to earn their crust together after the competition authorities provisionally cleared their merger.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cleared" to indicate approval, ensure the context clearly implies the authority or entity granting the approval. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cleared" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise terms like "approved", "authorized", or "ratified" might be more appropriate to convey the specific type of clearance involved.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cleared" is as the past participle of the verb 'clear'. As Ludwig confirms, it is frequently used to describe a state of being after something has been removed, authorized, or resolved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "cleared" functions as the past participle of 'clear' and is used to indicate that something has been removed, resolved, or approved. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. Its frequency is very common, with a primary presence in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. When writing, consider using synonyms like "approved", "authorized", or "resolved" for more precise communication. As always, ensure that the chosen synonym appropriately reflects the context to accurately convey the intended meaning of "cleared".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approved

Implies formal permission or authorization, shifting the focus from removal to endorsement.

authorized

Similar to 'approved' but suggests a more official or legal sanction.

exonerated

Specifically relates to being freed from blame or accusation, adding a legal dimension.

acquitted

Another legal term indicating freedom from criminal charges, focusing on a court's decision.

resolved

Indicates that a problem or issue has been dealt with successfully, emphasizing a solution.

removed

Focuses on the physical act of taking something away, simpler than 'cleared'.

unobstructed

Suggests that a path or view is now free from obstacles, changing the perspective to visibility.

sanctioned

Highlights the official permission or approval, providing a formal tone.

discharged

Suggests a release from duty or obligation, altering the context to responsibilities.

settled

Implies a final agreement or resolution to a dispute, giving emphasis to the conclusion.

FAQs

How is "cleared" used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "cleared" often means someone has been found not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing. For example, "The defendant was "acquitted" of all charges."

What's the difference between "cleared" and "approved"?

"Cleared" often implies removing an obstacle or doubt, while "approved" signifies a formal endorsement or permission. "The project was "approved" after it was "cleared" of environmental concerns."

What can I say instead of "the path was cleared"?

You can use alternatives like "the path was "unobstructed"", "the path was "opened"", or "the route was "free" of obstacles" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "cleared" in a business context?

In business, "cleared" can refer to a payment that has been processed or a deal that has received necessary approvals. For instance, "The payment has "gone through" and the merger was "authorized" by regulators."