comparatively clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comparatively clear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the clarity of two or more things, indicating that one is clearer than the other(s). Example: "While the previous report was confusing, the new version is comparatively clear and easy to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

However, these comparatively clear waters have been muddied by the arbitrary interpretation, some would say misinterpretation, of two articles of the Human Rights Act – the Right to a Private Life and the Right to Free Expression.

The Guardian

From the comparatively clear earlier poems, all the way through to their later and more difficult counterparts, he has been exemplary: a poet of immense gifts, originality and authenticity.

The Guardian - Books

However, the over-insistence of the social service organizations on the professional strategies and maintenance of comparatively clear boundaries may lead to the organization being replaced.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Ramesses III's great temple complex at Medinet Habu is distinguished from other royal mortuary temples in Egypt above all by the circumstance that much of the temple structure itself still stands and that excavation has made comparatively clear the entire temenos with all subsidiary structures, fortifications, and the like.

University of Chicago

At this juncture, if it can withstand M. Night Shyamalan's Glass (and the surprisingly robust business of The Upside and Dragon Ball Super: Bolly), it'll have comparatively clear sailing until The LEGO Movie 2 and What Men Want on February 8.

Forbes

In contrast, patients seem comparatively clear about how to proceed.

BMC Anesthesiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

And cancer genes seemed comparatively clear-cut.

The New York Times - Health

A process that is a series of distinct tasks provides a comparatively clearer division of labour and powers.

Nature

British casualties were comparatively light.

Wikipedia

Damage was comparatively light in Louisiana.

Wikipedia

Mitchell likewise offers meticulous documentary evidence in Roger Casement, but within a comparatively fluid and clear narrative history that depends problematically upon his assertion that the British government, from the Cabinet to the National Archive, has pursued an insidious, sweeping policy of individual defamation over the past century.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "comparatively clear" to indicate a noticeable improvement in clarity between two subjects or situations. This phrase is most effective when contrasting previous ambiguity with a current state of better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "comparatively clear" when the subject is still largely ambiguous or confusing. This phrase should only be used when there's a genuine, if limited, improvement in understanding, not to suggest that something is perfectly clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comparatively clear" functions as an adverbial modifier specifying the degree to which something is clear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for contrasting levels of clarity. It indicates that something is more understandable in relation to something else.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "comparatively clear" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something is more understandable than something else, although it might not be perfectly clear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and academia, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that you are indeed highlighting a genuine improvement in clarity. If a different nuance is desired, consider using alternatives such as "relatively clear" or "noticeably clearer".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively clear

This alternative uses 'relatively' instead of 'comparatively', offering a similar sense of comparison.

noticeably clearer

Emphasizes that the difference in clarity is easily observed or recognized.

distinctly clear

Highlights a marked and unambiguous level of clarity.

appreciably clearer

Indicates that the improvement in clarity is significant and worth noting.

somewhat transparent

Shifts the focus to transparency as an aspect of clarity, suggesting that something is easier to understand.

marginally lucid

Suggests a slight improvement in lucidity, implying a more understandable state.

comparably lucid

Mirrors the structure of the original phrase but substitutes 'clear' with 'lucid', maintaining the comparative aspect.

slightly more obvious

Focuses on obviousness as a form of clarity, indicating a small but noticeable increase in ease of understanding.

a bit more straightforward

Implies that something has become simpler and easier to follow, emphasizing ease of understanding.

more readily apparent

Highlights that something is now easier to perceive or understand at first glance.

FAQs

How can I use "comparatively clear" in a sentence?

Use "comparatively clear" to show a difference in clarity between two things. For example, "The second explanation was "comparatively clear" compared to the first."

What's a good alternative to "comparatively clear"?

Alternatives include "relatively clear", "noticeably clearer", or "distinctly clear", depending on the degree of clarity you want to convey.

Is it better to say "comparatively clear" or "relatively clear"?

Both "comparatively clear" and "relatively clear" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context, as they convey a similar meaning of 'clearer by comparison'.

What does "comparatively clear" imply about the subject?

It implies that while the subject may not be perfectly clear, it is more understandable or less ambiguous than something else it's being compared to. There's an element of improved understanding, even if complete clarity isn't achieved.