clears things up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clears things up" is correct and usable in written English.
You use it when you want to suggest that something has been explained in a way that makes it easier to understand. For example, "The professor's explanation of the theory clears things up and now I understand it much better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Well, that clears things up!

The New Yorker

In this situation, clearing the browser's cache files often clears things up and lets you start fresh.

The New York Times

I hope this clears things up for Limbaugh and anybody else who might be feeling confused or indeed "probably racist".

The Guardian - Opinion

Charlie clears things up "Again, the IFS have said, looking...casting their slide rule over our proposals...you're talking in the region of tw...twent...yeah, I mean, if you take a double income, say, a double income couple, err, £20,000 each, that's what you're talking about.

The Economist

"We know for sure that this myoelastic mechanism is working, and it clears things up for future research on the structure of calls," she says.

Science Magazine

In case this clears things up: The site also emphasizes the importance of low latency in virtual world interactions, and it declares, "We work in labcoats.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"Probably trying to clear things up from their standpoint.

The Guardian - Sport

(The company just put out a really strange advertisement that fails to clear things up).

The Guardian

You can clear things up with him when you have your audience tomorrow.

The New Yorker

In an effort to clear things up, here are answers to some common concerns.

The New York Times - Travel

TA: Was it a therapeutic thing to do? SK: I wasn't trying to clear things up with this book.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clears things up", ensure that the context clearly indicates what was previously unclear and how the current statement or action is providing clarification. For example, "The detailed explanation in the manual really clears things up for new users."

Common error

While "clears things up" is widely understood, it may sound too informal in academic papers or official reports. Opt for more formal alternatives like "clarifies", "elucidates", or "resolves" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clears things up" primarily functions as a phrasal verb used to indicate that something has been explained or resolved in a way that eliminates confusion. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clears things up" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something has been clarified or resolved. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples from diverse sources confirms its widespread use, particularly in News & Media. While its register leans towards neutral, more formal alternatives are available for academic or professional contexts. The phrase functions primarily as a phrasal verb aimed at removing confusion and improving understanding. Be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate formality and clarity when using "clears things up".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Makes it understandable

Focuses on the result of the clarification, emphasizing that something is now easier to grasp.

Clarifies the matter

Focuses on the act of making something clearer, often implying a more formal or definitive explanation.

Resolves the confusion

Highlights the removal of ambiguity or uncertainty, implying a solution to a state of bewilderment.

Explains it well

Highlights the quality of the explanation, suggesting that it is effective and easy to follow.

Simplifies the issue

Emphasizes the reduction of complexity, suggesting that something has been made easier to understand.

Sheds light on

Suggests the introduction of new information or perspective that makes something more comprehensible.

Illuminates the topic

Similar to "sheds light on", but often used in a more formal or academic context.

Untangles the problem

Implies a more complex situation that has been successfully analyzed and resolved.

Sets the record straight

Focuses on correcting misinformation or inaccuracies, providing a more accurate account.

Demystifies the subject

Suggests that something previously perceived as mysterious or incomprehensible has been made clear.

FAQs

What does "clears things up" mean?

The phrase "clears things up" means to make something easier to understand or less confusing. It suggests that a previous lack of clarity has been resolved through explanation or new information.

What can I say instead of "clears things up"?

You can use alternatives like "clarifies the matter", "simplifies the issue", or "resolves the confusion depending on the context.

Is "clears things up" formal or informal?

"Clears things up" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "clarifies", "elucidates", or "resolves".

How to use "clears things up" in a sentence?

You can use "clears things up" in sentences like: "The professor's explanation really clears things up for me", or "I hope this email clears things up regarding the project deadline".