is it not clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is it not clear" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to emphasize a lack of understanding or to question someone's comprehension of a situation. Example: "After all the explanations, is it not clear what we need to do?" Alternative expressions include "isn't it clear" and "is it not obvious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Not only is it not clear whether prosecutors have the evidence they need to charge anyone with a crime, it isn't even clear whether prosecutors will be allowed to use the evidence they have for anything.

The Economist

Only on rare occasions, such as the disputed presidential election in 2000 between Al Gore and George W. Bush, is it not clear on election day (or the following morning) who won the presidency.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"While is it not clear precisely what prime minister Abe is proposing in the short term, the fact that he has told a parliamentary committee that he wants to aim towards the resumption of commercial whaling is both unfortunate and unhelpful," McCully, the New Zealand foreign minister, said in a statement.

The Guardian

But is it not clear that the latter is the truth, while the former is a fiction?

SEP

However, the cholesterol content of HDL particles is mainly a historically founded and analytically feasible surrogate of RCT and is it not clear whether HDL-C is indeed the best RCT-related cardiovascular risk marker [1], [2], [3], [4], [5].

Plosone

Additionally, is it not clear how homogeneous the small chondrocyte-like population of adult NP cells is.

Bone and Joint Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The problem is, it's not clear that we do.

The New York Times

It is not clear that it is.

SEP

However, it is not clear if it is possible.

F1000Research

It is not clear which is correct.

Plosone

It is not clear what was said.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is it not clear" to politely challenge assumptions or express mild disagreement, especially when you believe the point should be self-evident.

Common error

Avoid using "is it not clear" in overly simple or obvious situations; it can come across as condescending. Opt for more direct phrasing in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is it not clear" functions as an interrogative expression used to question the obviousness or comprehensibility of a situation or statement. This implies a challenge or a request for clarification, often with an underlying tone of mild incredulity. Ludwig AI states the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is it not clear" is a grammatically correct and somewhat formal phrase used to question the comprehensibility or obviousness of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it can imply mild disagreement or a challenge. Related phrases include "isn't it obvious" and "is it unclear". When using this phrase, be mindful of the context to avoid sounding condescending. While not overly common, the expression serves a distinct purpose in prompting clarification or expressing a politely challenging viewpoint.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

isn't it obvious

Replaces the questioning structure with a more direct assertion of obviousness.

is it not obvious

Uses a more direct term to highlight the perceived obviousness of something.

is it not apparent

Substitutes "clear" with "apparent", indicating something easily perceived.

is it not evident

Replaces "clear" with "evident", suggesting something easily demonstrable or obvious.

is it unclear

Offers a shorter, more direct way of asking if something lacks clarity.

is it ambiguous

Focuses on the potential for multiple interpretations, rather than lack of clarity.

is it uncertain

Shifts the emphasis to a lack of certainty or sureness about something.

can it be doubted

Presents the lack of clarity as a question of whether something can reasonably be doubted.

is there any doubt

Poses a question regarding the existence of uncertainty about something.

are you in any doubt

Addresses the listener directly, asking about their personal level of certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "is it not clear" in a sentence?

You can use "is it not clear" to express a lack of understanding or to question someone's comprehension, as in "After all the explanations, is it not clear what we need to do?"

What are some alternatives to "is it not clear"?

You can use alternatives such as "isn't it obvious", "is it unclear", or "is it not obvious" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is it not clear" or "is it unclear"?

Both "is it not clear" and "is it unclear" are grammatically correct, but "is it unclear" is more concise and commonly used. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

What is the difference between "is it not clear" and "isn't it clear"?

"Is it not clear" and "isn't it clear" are essentially interchangeable. "Isn't it clear" is a contraction of "is it not clear" and is generally considered more informal.