is transparent to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is transparent to" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is open or understandable. For example, "The accounting procedures of the company are transparent to all employees".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The universe is transparent to neutrinos.

Independent

The Earth is transparent to neutrinos, but opaque to light.

The Guardian

Quartz is transparent to the wavelength of this laser.

The New York Times - Tech

Green glass is transparent to green light but opaque to blue and red; hard rubber is transparent to infrared and X rays but opaque to visible light.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At Health Tap professional reputation is transparent to patients as well as to peers".

The New York Times

Worse than that, the B.C.S. ranking system is transparent to a fault.

The New York Times - Sports

The band gap defines the longest wavelength of light a semiconductor can absorb (it is transparent to longer wavelengths).

The Economist

Perhaps the court is transparent to him and the intelligence agencies, but it is utterly opaque to the public.

The New York Times

Silicon is transparent to infrared light; this component of solar radiation passes through a solar cell without generating electricity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The way most black people live, the daily racism and the suffering, is transparent to white America.

The Guardian

The philosophy should be, give the public what they want but at a fair price which is transparent to them".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity; for example, specify "the process is transparent to the user" instead of just "it is transparent".

Common error

Avoid using "transparent" merely as a synonym for "clear" or "obvious" in situations where the underlying concept of permeability or unobstructed passage doesn't apply. For example, while you can say "the motives were transparent", consider alternatives like "obvious" or "evident" if physical transparency is irrelevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is transparent to" functions as a prepositional phrase often used to describe a relationship where something allows unimpeded passage (physical or metaphorical). Ludwig's examples demonstrate its diverse usage, from describing physical properties of materials to indicating clarity or openness in abstract systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is transparent to" is a versatile expression used to describe either the physical property of allowing something to pass through without obstruction or the abstract quality of being easily understood. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its frequent use in diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While it is often used to describe physical phenomena, it can also be applied to systems and processes to indicate clarity and openness. Remember to use it accurately and avoid misinterpreting transparency as a mere synonym for "clear" or "obvious" when the core concept of permeability is irrelevant. By understanding its nuances and applying it thoughtfully, you can enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is clear to

This alternative highlights the lack of ambiguity or confusion, emphasizing the ease of understanding something.

is understandable by

This alternative focuses on the comprehensibility of something to a specific audience, shifting the emphasis from transmission to reception.

allows passage of

This alternative focuses on the physical property of allowing something to pass through, particularly applicable in scientific contexts.

is perceptible to

This alternative emphasizes the ability to detect or notice something, often through the senses or intuition, rather than a clear understanding.

permits the flow of

Similar to "allows passage of", this emphasizes the unrestricted movement or transmission of something.

is accessible to

This alternative emphasizes the ease with which something can be obtained or used, focusing on availability rather than inherent clarity.

is visible to

This alternative implies something can be seen or observed, differing from "transparent" which suggests a deeper level of understanding or passage through.

does not block

This expresses the concept of transparency by stating what it isn't – an obstruction or barrier.

is open to

This alternative suggests a welcoming or receptive attitude, indicating that something is accessible for exploration or participation.

is unaffected by

This alternative suggests that something passes through without causing any change or impact.

FAQs

How can I use "is transparent to" in a sentence?

You can use "is transparent to" to describe materials that allow light or other radiation to pass through, or to describe processes or systems that are easily understood. For example, "Glass is transparent to visible light", or "The company's accounting practices "are transparent to" its shareholders".

What does it mean when something "is transparent to" something else?

When something "is transparent to" something else, it means the latter can pass through the former without being absorbed or scattered. In a figurative sense, it means something is easily understood or accessible to someone.

What can I say instead of "is transparent to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is understandable by", "is accessible to", or "allows passage of".

Is it correct to say "the information is transparent to everyone"?

Yes, it is correct. It means the information is easily accessible and understandable by everyone. However, ensure that "the information is clear to everyone" aligns with your intended meaning.