let's be clear

USAGE SUMMARY

"Let's be clear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to emphasize a point, emphasizing that a speaker wants to ensure that others understand and accept a certain point of view. For example, you could use it in the following sentence: "Let's be clear: this project needs to be completed by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And let's be clear: Mr. Obama's election was not destiny, but a fluke.

The New York Times

But let's be clear; Johnson's positioning is a dangerous deception.

The Guardian - Opinion

And let's be clear: a huge percentage of the WWE's audience consists of kids.

Huffington Post

But let's be clear about the emotional logic of the bus's message.

The Guardian - Books

But let's be clear.

The New York Times

And let's be clear on that.

Independent

And let's be clear: this stuff matters.

The New York Times

But let's be clear: this is philanthropy.

The New York Times

But let's be clear: I was merely an accomplice.

The New York Times

But let's be clear, the vote is advisory only.

The New York Times

And let's be clear: this is a policy decision.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let's be clear" to introduce a statement that you want to be easily understood and leave no room for misinterpretation. It's effective for emphasizing key points in discussions or writings.

Common error

Avoid using "let's be clear" excessively in casual conversations, as it can come across as overly assertive or condescending. Reserve it for situations where clarity and emphasis are genuinely needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let's be clear" functions as a discourse marker or transitional phrase. It's used to signal that the speaker is about to make a point that they consider especially important or that they want to ensure is understood without any ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in clarifying statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let's be clear" is a versatile and commonly used expression to emphasize a point or ensure clarity. As Ludwig AI shows, its function is to eliminate any potential ambiguity in a statement, mainly across news sources. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly assertive, especially in informal settings. Alternatives like "to be perfectly clear" or "to put it plainly" can offer similar emphasis with slightly different tones. Therefore, use "let's be clear" when you want to ensure your message is understood without any doubt.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be perfectly clear

Emphasizes precision and lack of ambiguity.

let me emphasize

Directly signals an intent to highlight the importance of a point.

to put it plainly

Highlights a direct and straightforward manner of speaking.

in no uncertain terms

Stresses the firmness and decisiveness of the statement.

i want to stress that

Highlights personal emphasis on a particular point.

it is important to note

Draws attention to a crucial piece of information.

to be frank

Suggests honesty and candor, sometimes implying a potentially unpopular opinion.

make no mistake

Asserts certainty and warns against misunderstanding.

i must point out

Calls attention to a specific detail that needs consideration.

to be blunt

Implies a lack of subtlety, focusing on directness.

FAQs

How can I use "let's be clear" in a sentence?

You can use "let's be clear" to introduce a key point that you want to emphasize, such as, "Let's be clear: this project's success depends on everyone's cooperation."

What are some alternatives to "let's be clear"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to be perfectly clear", "to put it plainly", or "in no uncertain terms", depending on the context and tone you want to convey.

Is "let's be clear" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "let's be clear" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to emphasize a point and ensure clarity. However, be mindful of overusing it, as it can sound repetitive.

What's the difference between "let's be clear" and "let me be clear"?

"Let's be clear" implies a shared understanding or agreement, while "let me be clear" is a more direct assertion of one's own perspective or position.