cleared for takeoff

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in the context of a plane preparing to take off. For example, "The plane was cleared for takeoff and began its ascent into the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

JASON ZINOMAN CO-PILOT: Cleared for takeoff, crew.

The New York Times

Runway three zero cleared for takeoff, American 77.

The New York Times

Well, except for one: McLaren 12C, you're first in line, cleared for takeoff.

The New York Times

Company technicians were alerted, the gauge was turned off and the plane was cleared for takeoff.

The Guardian

If you need to pull an 8,500-pound 8,500-poundu are now cleared for trailer.

The New York Times

He added that it was cleared for takeoff after a check on Saturday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

As the train leaves the station, a recorded message, "Clear for Takeoff," is played.

Wikipedia

The jet was cleared for a second takeoff by technicians who had turned off the air intake gauge in accordance with standard procedure, a spokesman for the airline said.

The Guardian

A flight from Sydney to Jakarta departed shortly after the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia cleared it for takeoff Monday afternoon.

The New York Times

Now that this bill has passed the House, the Senate should not clear it for takeoff.

Huffington Post

Clear for takeoff: According to New Scientist, over 5,000 Japanese building sites have used Skycatch drones over the past three years to map construction sites.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cleared for takeoff" metaphorically, ensure the context aligns with the idea of readiness and permission, creating a vivid image of something prepared to launch or begin.

Common error

Avoid using "cleared for takeoff" in contexts that lack the sense of permission, preparation, or imminent action. It's not appropriate for situations where something is simply allowed without any prior readiness or buildup.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cleared for takeoff" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating official permission or authorization to begin the process of taking off. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use. It can also be used metaphorically to signify the start of any venture or project.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cleared for takeoff" is a common phrase, often used in aviation contexts to indicate that a plane has received permission to begin its takeoff procedure. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the start of a project or venture. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and highly usable. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using the phrase, ensure the context aligns with permission and readiness. Alternative phrases include "authorized for departure" and "given the green light".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authorized for departure

Focuses on the authorization aspect, similar to receiving clearance.

approved for launch

Emphasizes the approval aspect, often used in similar metaphorical contexts.

given the green light

An idiomatic expression signifying permission to proceed.

ready to roll

Indicates a state of preparedness and readiness to begin.

all systems go

Signifies that all preparations are complete and the process can commence.

permission granted to start

Directly states the granting of permission to begin an action.

free to proceed

Indicates that there are no remaining obstacles and one can continue.

able to commence

Formally expresses the ability to begin or start something.

in the clear to begin

Highlights that any previous obstacles have been removed, allowing commencement.

given the go-ahead

Similar to "given the green light", this implies approval has been granted.

FAQs

What does "cleared for takeoff" mean?

It means that a plane has received permission from air traffic control to begin its takeoff procedure.

How can I use "cleared for takeoff" in a sentence?

You can say, "The pilot received confirmation that they were "cleared for takeoff", and the plane began accelerating down the runway." Or you can say, metaphorically, "After months of preparation, the project was "given the green light" and "cleared for takeoff".

What's a good alternative to "cleared for takeoff"?

Alternatives include "authorized for departure", "approved for launch", or "given the green light", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "cleared for takeoff" be used in non-aviation contexts?

Yes, it's often used metaphorically to describe any situation where something is ready to start or launch, implying permission and preparation such as "ready to roll".