far clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far clear" is not commonly used in written English and may be considered awkward or unclear.
It can be used to indicate a significant distance or separation from something, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "The car was far clear of the intersection before the light turned red."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"Let's be really clear: Republicans must steer far clear of that trap.

The New York Times

"Frances and Bernard" steers far clear of such messy, complicated world events.

The New York Times - Books

These two are so far clear that they will share the gold and silver places depending on the final race.

Independent

But he could not move too far clear and ended up relieved to have emerged on top.

Independent

"You have to be very happy with them when they pull that far clear of the rest [seven lengths]," O'Brien said.

The Guardian - Sport

There were trainers here who openly doubted the wisdom of tackling fences with a horse so far clear of other staying hurdlers that he could probably mop up £300,000 in prize money this season if kept to that division.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

A boycott sends a far clearer message.

The Guardian - Opinion

This gives a far clearer picture.

The Guardian - Tech

Now a new analysis gives a far clearer picture.

The New York Times

This was celebratory artistic propaganda, with a far clearer message than that of the Peisitratids.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They're often far clearer than 50 overlapping lines in a single chart.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When intending to convey avoidance or complete separation, consider stronger and more common alternatives like "well clear" or "far removed" rather than "far clear".

Common error

Avoid using "far clear" in formal writing where precision is essential. Substitute with more established phrases such as "well clear" or "distinctly clear" to ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far clear" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier to describe the extent to which something is clear or the degree of separation. It modifies adjectives or verbs to emphasize distance or clarity. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it's often used to indicate a state of being easily understood or significantly distant.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "far clear" signifies a considerable distance or a high degree of clarity. Though grammatically acceptable, as noted by Ludwig, it's not always the most polished or common choice. Its usage spans various domains, from news to science, but stronger alternatives like "well clear" or "distinctly clear" often provide greater precision. While "far clear" isn't incorrect, careful consideration of context and available synonyms will ensure your writing is both clear and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well clear

Suggests a safe distance or complete avoidance of something, emphasizing safety and precaution.

distinctly clear

Highlights the unmistakable clarity or obviousness of something, differing from a simple distance.

significantly clear

Indicates a notable degree of clarity or difference, focusing on the extent of being clear.

readily apparent

Implies that something is easily seen or understood, emphasizing ease of comprehension.

plainly obvious

Stresses the straightforward and undeniable nature of something, highlighting its lack of subtlety.

far removed

Focuses on the extent of separation, either physically or metaphorically, from something else.

easily avoided

Highlights the ease with which something can be evaded, shifting the focus to the act of avoidance.

safely away

Emphasizes being in a secure location or state, highlighting safety in relation to distance.

unambiguously clear

Stresses the lack of any possible confusion or misinterpretation, amplifying the concept of clarity.

considerably distant

Underscores the great extent of distance, both physically and figuratively, from something else.

FAQs

What does "far clear" mean?

"Far clear" generally suggests a significant distance or separation from something, or a state of being easily understood. However, it's not always the most common or precise way to express this idea.

What are some alternatives to using "far clear" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "well clear", "distinctly clear", or "far removed" to express the same idea more effectively.

Is it grammatically correct to say "far clear"?

While not strictly incorrect, "far clear" can sound awkward or less polished than alternative phrasings. Ludwig suggests that more common constructions often provide greater clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "far clear"?

While acceptable in some contexts, it's best to reserve "far clear" for situations where the emphasis is on a significant distance or obviousness, and consider whether a more common alternative might be a "far clearer" choice.