is clear enough

USAGE SUMMARY

'is clear enough' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is clear and understandable. For example, "The instructions he gave us are clear enough to follow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The threat is clear enough.

The Economist

The message is clear enough.

The Economist

Gingrich's strategy is clear enough.

The New York Times - Magazine

The introduction is clear enough.

The Economist

This principle is clear enough.

The Guardian - Tech

(And that is clear enough now).

The New Yorker

But the moral is clear enough.

The Economist

But the trend is clear enough.

The Economist

But the goal is clear enough.

The New Yorker

But the broad message is clear enough.

The Economist

The answer to which is clear enough.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is clear enough" to indicate that a concept, explanation, or instruction meets the necessary level of clarity for a specific purpose, but might not be perfect. For example, "The map is clear enough for us to find the trailhead."

Common error

Avoid using "is clear enough" when something is exceptionally clear or obvious. In such cases, stronger phrases like "is perfectly clear" or "is crystal clear" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is clear enough" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, it indicates that something possesses a sufficient level of clarity for a particular purpose. The phrase often qualifies a noun or pronoun, describing its state of being readily understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is clear enough" is a versatile phrase used to express a satisfactory level of understanding or clarity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. While not implying perfection, it conveys that something meets the necessary threshold for comprehension. When a stronger emphasis on clarity is needed, alternatives such as "is perfectly clear" or "is sufficiently clear" can be considered. It is important to ensure that usage aligns with the intended degree of clarity, as overstating can be misleading. The prevalence of this phrase in reputable sources underscores its acceptability and usefulness in expressing adequate understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is sufficiently clear

Replaces "enough" with "sufficiently", emphasizing adequacy in clarity.

is adequately clear

Similar to 'sufficiently clear', this option stresses meeting the minimum requirement for clarity.

is clear as day

Uses an idiom to emphasize the obviousness of the clarity.

is perfectly clear

Emphasizes a complete and unambiguous level of clarity.

is readily apparent

Shifts the focus to ease of perception, suggesting that the clarity makes something easily noticeable.

is easily understood

Focuses on the audience's ability to comprehend the information.

is plainly obvious

Highlights that the clarity makes something very noticeable and undeniable.

is distinctly understandable

Emphasizes the quality of being clearly and unambiguously understood.

is unambiguously clear

Highlights the lack of any ambiguity in the clarity.

is transparent

Suggests that something is clear because it allows you to see through it without confusion.

FAQs

How can I use "is clear enough" in a sentence?

Use "is clear enough" to express that something meets a minimum standard of clarity. For example, "The explanation "is clear enough" for me to understand the concept", or "The instructions "are clear enough" to assemble the furniture".

What are some alternatives to "is clear enough"?

You can use alternatives such as "is sufficiently clear", "is adequately clear", or "is perfectly clear", depending on the context and the degree of clarity you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is clear enough" versus "is perfectly clear"?

"Is clear enough" implies a satisfactory level of understanding, while "is perfectly clear" suggests complete and unambiguous clarity. Use "is clear enough" when the clarity is sufficient for the purpose at hand, but not necessarily flawless. Conversely, use "is perfectly clear" when the clarity leaves no room for doubt or confusion.

Is "clear enough" too informal for professional writing?

The phrase "is clear enough" is suitable for a variety of contexts, including professional writing, as long as it accurately reflects the degree of clarity intended. It's more neutral than informal, but consider the audience and purpose to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.