it was really clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was really clear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something was easily understood or unambiguous in a particular context. Example: "After the presentation, it was really clear that everyone understood the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It was really clear that the Russians were in charge of the situation here.

The Guardian

"It was really clear and it was really stark," said Dr. Thomas Peterson, principal scientist at the climate center.

The New York Times - Science

"It was really clear," Dougherty said, "that we wouldn't be able to have even a small chance of getting everyone out".

The New Yorker

It was really clear in 2016 when Austin tried to pass a municipal ordinance bylaw that would have, among other things, required drivers to undergo a fingerprint-based background check.

MIT Technology Review

And it was really clear that people in the streets weren't violent: they were angry, they were upset, they were agitated, to be sure, but they weren't in the streets acting on any kind of violence, hurting people.

The Guardian - Opinion

But also because, when we were putting the report together, it was really clear that in other countries … where they've tried this, it does help to get young people involved in the political system and that tends to persist.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It's really clear why that is.

The Washington Post

"It's really clear," he says.

The Guardian - Music

"It's really clear what's going on," Mr. Lehane said.

The New York Times

Leadership is such an intangible quality, but it's really clear when you see it.

The New York Times - Magazine

They're about just one thing, and it's really clear.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was really clear" to emphasize a moment of sudden understanding or realization. For example: "After reviewing the data, it was really clear that our initial hypothesis was incorrect."

Common error

Avoid using "it was really clear" excessively in a single piece of writing, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it was obvious" or "it was evident" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was really clear" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying an implied subject. It serves to describe a state of understanding or obviousness regarding a situation or piece of information. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, emphasizing that something was easily understood or unambiguous.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was really clear" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to express understanding and obviousness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news and media to academic discussions. While the phrase is effective, varying your language with synonyms like "it was obvious" or "it was evident" can enhance your writing. The phrase functions primarily to convey a sense of certainty and unambiguous comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was perfectly clear

Replaces "really" with "perfectly" to amplify the clarity.

it was abundantly clear

Substitutes "really" with "abundantly", indicating an even greater degree of clarity.

it was crystal clear

Uses the idiom "crystal clear" to convey a high level of transparency and understanding.

it was quite clear

Uses "quite" instead of "really", offering a slightly more understated tone.

it was completely obvious

Replaces "clear" with "obvious", highlighting the self-evident nature of the situation.

it was readily apparent

Changes both "really clear" to "readily apparent", using more formal language.

it was plainly evident

Employs "plainly evident" instead of "really clear", suggesting a straightforward and undeniable clarity.

it was distinctly understood

Shifts the focus to understanding, suggesting a clear and unambiguous comprehension.

it became obvious

Focuses on the process of becoming clear over time.

the message was clear

Highlights the clarity of the message itself, rather than the general situation.

FAQs

What does "it was really clear" mean?

The phrase "it was really clear" means that something was easily understood or very obvious. It signifies a lack of ambiguity or confusion about a particular situation or piece of information.

What can I say instead of "it was really clear"?

You can use alternatives like "it was obvious", "it was evident", or "it was apparent" depending on the context.

How to use "it was really clear" in a sentence?

You can use "it was really clear" to describe a situation where something became easily understandable. For example: "After the demonstration, it was really clear how the new software worked."

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "It was really clear" refers to something that was clear in the past, while "it is really clear" refers to something that is clear in the present.