it is pretty clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is pretty clear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is obvious or easily understood. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it is pretty clear that the team made significant progress this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is pretty clear which platform Amazon is putting its resources into first.

TechCrunch

It is pretty clear".

The New York Times

And it is pretty clear why.

The Economist

It is pretty clear to whom he is referring.

The New Yorker

It is pretty clear where they are going.

The New York Times

"The basic take is that it is pretty clear now.

The New Yorker

It is pretty clear what needs to be done.

The Guardian

But it is pretty clear that he looks favourably on it.

The Economist

And, he added, it is pretty clear which side is winning.

The New York Times

"Beijing has consistently been ahead of the country and it is pretty clear that . . .

The New York Times

It is pretty clear that they are the only fighting force that can confront Isis".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is pretty clear" to introduce a point that is easily understood or widely accepted, but avoid overusing it, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "it is quite obvious" or "it is plain to see".

Common error

Avoid using "it is pretty clear" to introduce points that are already abundantly obvious to your audience. Doing so can make your writing seem condescending or lacking in nuance. Instead, consider more subtle ways of conveying your message or simply omitting the phrase altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is pretty clear" serves as a discourse marker, signaling that the speaker or writer is about to present something that they consider to be easily understood or evident. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this, showcasing the phrase's frequent use in introducing obvious conclusions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is pretty clear" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something is obvious or easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While suitable for most situations, varying the language with synonyms like "it is quite obvious" or "it is plain to see" can enhance writing and prevent repetitiveness. Avoid using it to overstate the obvious or in contexts where greater nuance is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's crystal clear

Emphasizes clarity using the metaphor "crystal clear".

it's quite obvious

Replaces "pretty clear" with "quite obvious" for emphasis.

it's beyond doubt

Indicates a high degree of certainty, stronger than "pretty clear".

it's fairly evident

Uses "fairly evident" instead of "pretty clear", softening the assertion slightly.

it's readily apparent

Substitutes "pretty clear" with "readily apparent" for a more formal tone.

it's plain to see

Replaces "it is pretty clear" with an idiomatic expression conveying obviousness.

it should be self-evident

Implies the matter is so obvious it requires no explanation.

the answer is obvious

Focuses on the obviousness of a solution or response.

the writing is on the wall

An idiomatic expression implying an inevitable outcome or obvious situation.

it's an open secret

Suggests something is widely known but not openly acknowledged.

FAQs

What does "it is pretty clear" mean?

The phrase "it is pretty clear" means that something is easily understood, obvious, or evident. It's used to introduce a statement or conclusion that requires little explanation.

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

You can use alternatives like "it is quite obvious", "it is readily apparent", or "it is plain to see" depending on the context.

Is "it is pretty clear" formal or informal?

The phrase "it is pretty clear" is generally considered neutral in formality. It's suitable for most contexts, but more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

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

You can use "it is pretty clear" to introduce a conclusion, observation, or explanation. For example, "After reviewing the data, "it is pretty clear" that sales have increased."