crystal clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crystal clear" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that something is understood completely and without any confusion. For example, "The instructions were crystal clear, so I had no problem following them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing is crystal clear".

The New Yorker

"Everything is crystal clear.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's not crystal clear".

The New York Times

That's crystal clear.

The New York Times - Sports

It's crystal clear".

The Guardian

CM: Be crystal clear.

The Guardian

I am crystal clear".

The Guardian - Sport

Some remain crystal clear.

The New York Times

Appearance: Crystal clear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is crystal clear".

The New York Times

"Let's make that crystal clear.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crystal clear" to emphasize that something is not just clear, but exceptionally so, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation. For example, "The company's new policy on remote work is "crystal clear", ensuring all employees understand the guidelines."

Common error

Avoid using "crystal clear" when describing inherently complex or nuanced situations. It's more appropriate for straightforward concepts. For example, instead of saying "The economic forecast is "crystal clear"", consider stating specific predictions and uncertainties.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "crystal clear" is as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase. It is used to describe a noun, indicating a high degree of clarity, whether visual or conceptual. As Ludwig AI states, it implies that something is completely clear and understood without any confusion. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing instructions, water, and intentions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crystal clear" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that is exceptionally clear and easy to understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to emphasize the absence of ambiguity. Appearing most frequently in News & Media sources, the phrase has a neutral register suitable for various contexts. To enhance your writing, use "crystal clear" to highlight straightforward concepts, and avoid it in complex or nuanced situations where complete clarity might be misleading. Alternatives like "perfectly clear" or "easily understood" can offer nuanced options. In conclusion, "crystal clear" is a useful phrase for ensuring your message is easily grasped.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfectly clear

Emphasizes the completeness and lack of ambiguity in understanding.

unambiguously clear

Highlights the absence of any possible misinterpretation.

easily understood

Focuses on the simplicity and accessibility of the information.

patently obvious

Suggests the information is so clear it's almost self-evident.

transparent

Implies openness and a lack of hidden information, promoting clarity.

clearly defined

Focuses on the precision and distinctness of the information or object.

readily apparent

Indicates the information is immediately noticeable and easily grasped.

plainly visible

Emphasizes the visual clarity and lack of obstruction.

distinctly seen

Highlights the sharp and clear visual perception.

lucid

Implies clarity of expression or thought, making something easily understood.

FAQs

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

You can use "crystal clear" to describe something that is very easy to understand or see. For example, "The instructions were "crystal clear", so I had no trouble assembling the furniture" or "The water in the lake was "crystal clear", allowing us to see the bottom".

What are some synonyms for "crystal clear"?

Some alternatives to "crystal clear" include "perfectly clear", "unambiguously clear", or "easily understood". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "crystal clear" in formal writing?

Yes, "crystal clear" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly when you want to emphasize the complete clarity of something. However, consider whether a more formal synonym like "perfectly clear" might be more appropriate depending on the tone of your writing.

When should I avoid using "crystal clear"?

Avoid using "crystal clear" when describing complex or nuanced issues where complete clarity is not possible or misleading. It's best suited for situations where the information is straightforward and easily grasped. Overusing "crystal clear" can also weaken its impact, so use it judiciously.