clearly state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clearly state" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a certain idea or statement that is presented in a straightforward and easy to understand way. For example, "Please clearly state your opinion on the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Amr Moussa doesn't clearly state his monthly income.

The New York Times

Oh, no, clearly state courts have that power.

The New York Times

We clearly state that their booking with us is complete.

The Guardian - Money

Clearly, state money proved an incentive -- and a strong argument with reluctant bosses.

The New York Times

We didn't clearly state our motivations in the paper.

TechCrunch

A CEO that still can't clearly state the core goals.

TechCrunch

November 2008 – CEO Jerry Yang: A CEO that still can't clearly state the core goals.

TechCrunch

The i3s's new motors clearly state that the car company is still working on electric vehicles.

TechCrunch

Additionally, Lime says it will more clearly state that riding on or blocking sidewalks is illegal.

TechCrunch

First, the site is poorly designed, very cluttered and doesn't clearly state what they are doing.

TechCrunch

These more clearly state the rules about what kinds of content will be removed.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions or guidelines, use "clearly state" to ensure readers understand expectations and requirements.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex vocabulary when you want to "clearly state" something. Simplicity enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clearly state" functions as a directive, urging the speaker or writer to express something in a straightforward, unambiguous manner. As shown in Ludwig, it emphasizes the importance of clarity in communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clearly state" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance of direct and unambiguous communication. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it is commonly found in science, news, and wiki contexts, reflecting its widespread utility. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal settings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, making it a reliable choice for ensuring clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explicitly state

Emphasizes the direct and unambiguous nature of the statement.

expressly state

Similar to 'explicitly state', highlighting the clarity and intentionality of the statement.

state unequivocally

Highlights the absence of doubt or ambiguity in the statement.

articulate clearly

Focuses on the ability to express something in an understandable way.

specify precisely

Emphasizes the accuracy and detail of the information provided.

indicate plainly

Stresses the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the statement.

lay out explicitly

Highlights the detailed and structured presentation of information.

make it clear

A more general way to express the act of clarifying something.

spell out

Implies explaining something in detail to avoid any misunderstanding.

define explicitly

Focuses on providing a clear and unambiguous definition.

FAQs

How can I use "clearly state" in a sentence?

You can use "clearly state" to emphasize the importance of being explicit and unambiguous in your communication. For example, "The contract should "clearly state" the terms of payment."

What are some alternatives to "clearly state"?

Alternatives to "clearly state" include "explicitly state", "expressly state", or "indicate plainly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very clearly state"?

While not strictly incorrect, "very clearly state" can be redundant. "Clearly state" already implies a high degree of clarity, so adding "very" doesn't significantly enhance the meaning. It's usually more concise and effective to simply use "clearly state."

What is the difference between "clearly state" and "imply"?

"Clearly state" means to express something directly and explicitly, leaving no room for ambiguity. In contrast, "imply" means to suggest something indirectly, without stating it explicitly. To "clearly state" something is direct, while to imply is indirect.