just a clearing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just a clearing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small open space in a forest or area that is free of obstacles, often in a natural setting. Example: "As we hiked deeper into the woods, we stumbled upon just a clearing where we decided to rest for a while."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This chapel, for instance — I remember when it was just a clearing, cordoned off with sharp sticks.

The New Yorker

This chapel, for instance—I remember when it was just a clearing, cordoned off with sharp sticks.

The New Yorker

It was just a clearing with a few huts, a couple of thatched pavilions, and a well with a diesel pump.

The New Yorker

Mr. Pettygrove won, and the new town that was then just a clearing on the riverbank would grow to overshadow Oregon City.

The New York Times - Travel

As a result, Bear was perhaps more than just a clearing firm.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Certainly in this case it's just a clear contrast," Mr. Latham said.

The New York Times

"But ice — it's just a clear product frozen in the bag.

The New Yorker

"But this is just a clear case of one candidate being inferior to the other.

The New York Times - Magazine

I think many stories say something that is more complex, ambiguous, and contradictory than just a clear, if coded, message.

The New Yorker

But with this coach there are no speed bumps, just a clear highway and we are cruising along it".

The Guardian - Sport

One could call say his pavilion is just a clear, square box, he was told, after a little polite chit-chat.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene in literature or creative writing, use "just a clearing" to emphasize the starkness or simplicity of a location, contrasting it with the surrounding environment.

Common error

Avoid using "just a clearing" in formal reports or academic papers, as it can sound too informal. Opt for more precise and descriptive language like "an open area" or "a designated space" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just a clearing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig's examples illustrate its descriptive role in setting a scene or providing context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

20%

General

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just a clearing" is a descriptive noun phrase denoting a simple, open space, often within a natural environment. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct and primarily used in a neutral register. The phrase serves to set a scene or provide context, often emphasizing the simplicity of a location. While "just a clearing" appears mostly in News & Media and travel-related content, its frequency is relatively rare. For more formal contexts, alternatives such as "simply an open area" or "designated space" might be more appropriate. The Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply an open area

Emphasizes the lack of complexity or embellishment of the space, similar to highlighting the basic nature of a clearing.

merely a glade

Replaces "clearing" with "glade", offering a more poetic synonym, while "merely" reinforces the simplicity.

only an open space

Focuses on the bare minimum of what constitutes the space, akin to suggesting it's just a clearing and nothing more.

just a vacant spot

Highlights the emptiness and availability of the area, similar to the unutilized nature of a clearing.

simply an empty patch

Conveys the idea of a small, unadorned area, mirroring the basic essence of a clearing.

barely a space

Underscores the limited size of the clearing, suggesting it's just enough room.

just a small opening

Replaces "clearing" with a more general term, emphasizing the diminutive size of the area.

merely a bare patch

Combines the simplicity of "merely" with the unadorned quality of a bare area, like a basic clearing.

only a small space

Focuses on the limited size of the area, suggesting it is diminutive.

simply a small area

Highlights the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the space.

FAQs

How can I use "just a clearing" in a sentence?

You can use "just a clearing" to describe a small, open space in a forest or wooded area, often emphasizing its simplicity or lack of distinct features. For instance, "We stumbled upon "just a clearing" where we decided to rest".

What are some alternatives to "just a clearing"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "simply an open area", "merely a glade", or "only an open space" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "just a clearing"?

"Just a clearing" is suitable in descriptive writing, storytelling, or casual conversation when you want to depict a simple, unadorned space in a natural setting.

What is the connotation of "just a clearing"?

The phrase often implies a sense of simplicity, perhaps even insignificance. It suggests the area is basic and unremarkable, focusing on the lack of complexity or embellishment.