crystal-clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crystal-clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very clear or easy to understand, often in the context of communication or explanations. Example: "The instructions were crystal-clear, leaving no room for confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's never crystal-clear.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Their point was crystal-clear.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Nothing is crystal clear".

The New Yorker

"Everything is crystal clear.

The New York Times - Arts

They're crystal clear.

Yale University

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crystal-clear" to emphasize that something is not only clear but also leaves no room for doubt or misinterpretation. It is suitable when precision and unambiguous understanding are crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "crystal-clear" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing where a simpler term like "clear" or "obvious" would suffice. Overuse can make your language sound forced or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crystal-clear" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe its clarity. Ludwig shows its role in emphasizing the ease of understanding or visibility of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "crystal-clear" is a versatile adjective phrase used to emphasize the exceptional clarity and unambiguous nature of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "perfectly clear" or "absolutely clear" exist, "crystal-clear" offers a distinct emphasis. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in overly informal settings to maintain its impact. This guide provides practical tips and insights to ensure effective and appropriate application of the phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perfectly clear

Emphasizes the complete and unambiguous nature of something.

absolutely clear

Highlights the lack of any doubt or ambiguity.

unambiguous

Focuses on the absence of multiple possible interpretations.

easily understood

Stresses the simplicity and accessibility of comprehension.

plain as day

Uses a common idiom to convey obviousness.

clear as a bell

Another idiom that indicates unmistakable clarity.

patently obvious

Highlights that something is undeniably evident.

readily apparent

Indicates something is easily noticeable and understood.

explicit

Emphasizes that something is stated directly and without implication.

lucid

Focuses on the clarity and coherence of expression or thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "crystal-clear" to describe something that is very easy to understand. For example, "The instructions were "crystal-clear", leaving no room for confusion."

What are some alternatives to "crystal-clear"?

Alternatives to "crystal-clear" include "perfectly clear", "absolutely clear", or "easily understood" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say something is "crystal-clear"?

While "clear" alone can suffice, "crystal-clear" emphasizes a higher degree of clarity and leaves no room for ambiguity. It is not necessarily redundant if you want to stress the unmistakable nature of something.

What's the difference between "clear" and "crystal-clear"?

"Clear" indicates that something is understandable, while "crystal-clear" suggests an exceptional level of clarity, implying that the information is exceptionally easy to grasp and free from any potential misinterpretation.