it is crystal clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is crystal clear" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize that something is very clear and easy to understand. Example: After reviewing all the evidence, it is crystal clear that the defendant is innocent of the crime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Judge Duffy said that after reviewing a video of the interview and other materials, "it is crystal clear that the report was grossly inaccurate and warped what the interpreter actually said".

The New York Times

The quality of the ice is also key—it is crystal clear, and the absence of air bubbles help the piece last longer, in addition to dazzling the eye.

Vice

It is crystal clear … Stuart Robert's own defence convicted him".

The Guardian

"It is not marginal - it is crystal clear".

The Guardian - Sport

"Of course it is crystal clear that assault is unacceptable.

The Guardian

It is crystal clear from your own founding principles".

The Guardian - Business

Now, it is crystal clear, and Mr. Romney is struggling.

The New York Times

Kristalweizen is similar to hefeweizen, except it has been filtered, so it is crystal clear.

The New York Times - Food

"It is crystal clear that it would have been far more productive to reach a settlement last week".

The New York Times

If they have to pay more it is crystal clear that this cost will end up hitting tenants, not landlords".

The Guardian - Money

"It is crystal clear this amount tickets will not be enough to satisfy demand at Basel's St Jakob-Park Stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is crystal clear" to unequivocally state a point, leaving no room for misinterpretation. This phrase is effective in persuasive writing and formal declarations.

Common error

Avoid using "it is crystal clear" too frequently in casual conversation or informal writing. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or even condescending. Consider using simpler alternatives like "it's obvious" or "it's clear" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is crystal clear" functions as an emphatic assertion. It's used to highlight that something is not only understood, but exceptionally easy to grasp, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is crystal clear" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize the undeniable clarity and obviousness of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in written English. Analysis of numerous examples reveals it's most often found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While generally neutral, it's best to avoid overusing it in informal settings to prevent sounding overly formal. Consider using alternatives like "it's plainly obvious" or "it's abundantly clear" for subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unequivocally clear

Replaces "crystal clear" with "unequivocally clear", stressing the unambiguous nature of something.

it is plainly obvious

Replaces "crystal clear" with "plainly obvious", focusing on the obvious nature of something.

it is perfectly obvious

Substitutes "crystal clear" with "perfectly obvious", emphasizing the absolute clarity of something.

it is abundantly obvious

Replaces "crystal clear" with "abundantly obvious", highlighting the overwhelming clarity of something.

it is patently obvious

Uses "patently obvious" instead of "crystal clear", suggesting something is undeniably clear.

it is readily apparent

Replaces "crystal clear" with "readily apparent", indicating something is easily noticed or understood.

it is completely understood

Shifts the focus from clarity to understanding, implying full comprehension.

it is beyond doubt

Emphasizes the certainty of something, removing any possibility of questioning.

it is self-evident

Indicates that something is obvious without needing explanation.

the evidence is conclusive

Shifts focus to the evidence, highlighting its decisive nature.

FAQs

How can I use "it is crystal clear" in a sentence?

Use "it is crystal clear" to emphasize a point that is easily understood and leaves no room for doubt. For example, "It is crystal clear that the company's profits have increased significantly this quarter".

What can I say instead of "it is crystal clear"?

You can use alternatives like "it is plainly obvious", "it is perfectly obvious", or "it is abundantly obvious" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is crystal clear" or "it was crystal clear"?

"It is crystal clear" refers to something that is currently obvious, while "it was crystal clear" refers to something that was obvious in the past. The choice depends on the time frame you're referring to.

What's the difference between "it is clear" and "it is crystal clear"?

"It is clear" simply indicates that something is understood, while "it is crystal clear" emphasizes that the understanding is exceptionally easy and unambiguous.