is very clear-cut

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very clear-cut" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, decision, or distinction that is straightforward and unambiguous. Example: "The rules of the game are very clear-cut, leaving no room for interpretation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is very clear-cut.

The Guardian

For Smith, however, the answer is very clear-cut.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It was very clear-cut," Mr. Erickson said.

The New York Times

"To me, it's very clear-cut - it's your home or it's an investment.

The Guardian - Business

We've both done things where you work on someone else's song and it's very clear-cut.

The Guardian - Music

The show, like Rodgers and Hammerstein's subsequent hits, portrays a world in which the choices between good and evil are very clear-cut.

The New York Times

"He was very clear-cut in what he wanted and had very set ideas about what the perfect ratio should be," Ms. Ong said, adding that Poon's undulating repetitions somewhat recall the work of modular constructivist sculptors like Erwin Hauer and Norman Carlberg.

The New York Times - Arts

She is delighted that the copy flow has been good but worried that the main story, the Palestinian re-occupation of Gaza, is not turning out to be very clear-cut and one of the other major stories, President Bush's 9/11 visit to New Orleans - won't happen until 10pm, way after her first edition deadline of 5pm.

The Guardian

It's very clear-cut.

BBC

The issues are very clear-cut.

Forbes

In terms of borrowing, since the doctrines of religious systems are very clear-cut, with distinct, easy to discern boundaries.

International Journal of Anthropology and Ethnology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is very clear-cut" to emphasize the lack of ambiguity in a situation, decision, or distinction. It enhances clarity and leaves no room for misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "is very clear-cut" when the situation involves subtleties or subjective judgments. This phrase best suits scenarios with definitive criteria.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very clear-cut" functions as a descriptor, emphasizing the unambiguous nature of a situation, rule, or distinction. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is very clear-cut" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something as unambiguous and straightforward. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s appropriate for written English. While it appears most frequently in news and media, it is also used in science and formal business contexts. For situations where subtlety or subjectivity is involved, consider alternatives. When precision and lack of ambiguity are key, "is very clear-cut" is an effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite straightforward

Replaces "very clear-cut" with a more direct synonym for easy understanding.

is exceedingly obvious

Emphasizes the easiness to notice or understand something.

is remarkably distinct

Highlights the sharp differentiation or contrast.

is exceptionally unambiguous

Focuses on the lack of multiple interpretations.

is definitely well-defined

Stresses the precision and clarity of the boundaries.

is notably evident

Indicates something easily seen or understood.

is patently obvious

Highlights that something is undeniably clear.

is manifestly apparent

Emphasizes that something is openly and obviously visible.

is strikingly self-explanatory

Highlights something needing no further explanation.

is undeniably definitive

Stresses the conclusive and unquestionable nature.

FAQs

What does "is very clear-cut" mean?

The phrase "is very clear-cut" means something is straightforward, unambiguous, and easily understood, leaving no room for confusion or misinterpretation.

How can I use "is very clear-cut" in a sentence?

You can use "is very clear-cut" to describe situations where distinctions or decisions are straightforward. For example: "The difference between right and wrong "is very clear-cut" in this case."

What can I say instead of "is very clear-cut"?

You can use alternatives like "is quite straightforward", "is exceedingly obvious", or "is remarkably distinct" depending on the context.

Is "is very clear-cut" formal or informal?

"Is very clear-cut" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it's not overly technical, it maintains a level of clarity appropriate for professional communication.