is well clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is well clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is free from obstruction or that a situation is clear and unambiguous. Example: "The path is well clear for the emergency vehicles to pass through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

So, while he is well clear on the bare ratings, Dawn Approach may do well to reproduce his Guineas effort, never mind improve on it.

The Guardian - Sport

The England and Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder is well clear of Manchester United pair Michael Owen (£38m) and Wayne Rooney (£37m).

The Guardian - Sport

The appeal of SFX to Clear Channel, which owns or has deals for 867 radio and 19 television stations that reach more than 120 million people weekly, is, well, clear.

The New York Times

Photograph: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images Updated at 8.15pm BST 8.03pm BST "I realise that Sagan is well clear in the green jersey, but what are the standings below him, just in case?" asks David Wall.

The Guardian - Sport

A renewed dip into recession could lead to revolt, in markets or in the political systems of peripheral economies that have had enough of economic contraction forever.The sensible course is what it has been for the last six years: keep pushing until the economy is well clear of danger.

The Economist

Hughes is well clear in the the riders' championship and is set to be crowned as champion Flat jockey for the first time next month.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Nothing much for the hosts to worry about as Tom Ince's delivery is well cleared.

BBC

It's worked right finally to Lucy Bronze, whose first-time cross is well cleared by Viktoria Schnaderbeck.

BBC

The former Villa man wins a corner, but Michael Carrick's near-post flick-on is well cleared by Ajax.

BBC

India's Bala was well clear of them both in first place.

The Guardian - Sport

He was well clear of Gentlemen while doing the cha-cha.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is well clear" to emphasize a significant margin or lead, whether in a physical race, a competition, or a conceptual separation.

Common error

Avoid using "is well clear" when the context lacks a clear benchmark for comparison. For example, don't say "The situation is well clear" if there's no defined standard for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is well clear" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, typically indicating a state of being distinctly ahead or free from obstruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to emphasize a significant margin or separation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is well clear" serves to emphasize a significant lead or separation, often used in situations where a clear distinction is present. According to Ludwig AI, this grammatically correct phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with supporting usage in scientific and wiki environments. It functions as an adverbial phrase, indicating a state of being distinctly ahead or free from obstruction. Alternatives like "is clearly ahead" or "is far ahead" can be used to convey similar meanings. While versatile, it's best to avoid using "is well clear" in contexts lacking a clear benchmark for comparison. Overall, the phrase adds impact when describing a notable advantage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is clearly ahead

Focuses on the unambiguous nature of being in the lead.

is substantially ahead

Highlights the significant magnitude of the lead or advantage.

is distinctly ahead

Emphasizes the clarity and obviousness of the leading position.

is safely ahead

Highlights the security and lack of risk associated with the leading position.

is far ahead

Indicates a greater degree of advancement or superiority.

is decisively winning

Emphasizes the conclusive and impactful nature of the victory.

is comfortably ahead

Suggests a relaxed and secure lead, without significant pressure.

is visibly ahead

Focuses on the observable and apparent nature of the lead.

is plainly ahead

Suggests that the lead is easily recognized and understood.

is easily winning

Indicates effortless or straightforward victory.

FAQs

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

You can use "is well clear" to indicate that something is free from obstruction, or that one competitor is far ahead of others. For example, "The path is well clear for the emergency vehicles" or "The leading runner is well clear of the pack".

What are some alternatives to "is well clear"?

Some alternatives include "is clearly ahead", "is far ahead", or "is distinctly ahead", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is well clear"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a significant and unambiguous separation or advantage. This could be in a race, a competition, or any situation where a clear distinction exists.

Is "is well clear" formal or informal?

"Is well clear" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in news and sports reporting, as well as scientific writing, than in casual conversation.