clearly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clearly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is obvious or easily understood. Example: "The results of the experiment clearly indicate a significant improvement in performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the 'black vote' votes it will clearly push someone over the line.

The Guardian - Sport

There is a need to lay out more clearly than ever before what being a British Muslim means today: proud of your faith and proud of your country.

The Guardian

Clearly, I was wrong.

The Guardian

If there are questions then clearly Mo is going to ask those questions.

The Guardian - Sport

"People must be held to account for their actions under the rule of law and in the case of Mr Downey clearly a dreadful mistake was made by him receiving that letter".

The Guardian

"I would also ask the chief constable, in light of this attack, to revise his position in respect of loyalist paramilitaries who are clearly flouting the terms of their ceasefire.

The Guardian

Clearly, the recent spotlight on conditions at Foxconn has performed a similar service for the electronics industry.

The New York Times

If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".

The Guardian

· To contact the MediaGuardian newsdesk email [email protected] or phone [phone] · If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".

The Guardian

He was quite invested in this country but at some point he clearly began to feel terribly out of place here.

The Guardian

Palace's players had arrived at the Amex for the second leg of the semi-final to find the tension in the tie had clearly already had an explosive effect.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clearly" to emphasize the obviousness of a point, enhancing the reader's understanding and agreement with your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "clearly" excessively, as it can weaken your writing. If the point is already obvious from the context, the adverb becomes redundant and detracts from the overall impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "clearly" is as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or even entire clauses to emphasize the obviousness or ease of understanding of a statement. According to Ludwig AI, it correctly and effectively highlights the clarity of an idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Arts

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "clearly" is a versatile and frequently used term in the English language. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its role in emphasizing obviousness and certainty across various contexts. It is grammatically sound, with examples showing frequent use in news, sports, and opinion pieces. Although "clearly" is helpful for providing emphasis, it's essential to avoid overuse to prevent redundancy. Consider synonyms like "plainly", "evidently", or "obviously" to maintain writing clarity and impact. Whether it's starting a sentence or modifying a verb, using "clearly" effectively can enhance the persuasiveness and understanding of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plainly

Indicates straightforwardness and ease of understanding.

evidently

Suggests that something is obvious based on available evidence.

obviously

Emphasizes that something is easily perceived or understood.

unquestionably

Highlights the undeniable nature of a fact or statement.

distinctly

Focuses on the sharp and unmistakable nature of something.

patently

Emphasizes the obviousness to the point of being undeniable.

unambiguously

Highlights the lack of any possible confusion or misinterpretation.

indisputably

Stresses that something cannot be challenged or debated.

undeniably

Affirms that something cannot be denied, despite possible attempts.

assuredly

Conveys a sense of confidence and certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "clearly" in a sentence?

"Clearly" is typically used as an adverb to modify a verb or adjective, emphasizing that something is easily understood or apparent. For example, "He "clearly stated" his intentions" or "The evidence is "clearly false"".

What words can I use instead of "clearly"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "plainly", "evidently", "obviously", or "unquestionably".

Is it correct to start a sentence with "clearly"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "clearly". It's often used to introduce a statement that is intended to be obvious or easily understood, such as "Clearly, the project requires more funding".

What is the difference between "clearly" and "explicitly"?

"Clearly" implies that something is easily understood or apparent, while "explicitly" means that something is stated directly and without any ambiguity. For example, instructions can be "clearly explained" (easy to understand) or "explicitly stated" (directly said).