let me be clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "let me be clear" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to emphasize what someone is about to say. For example: Let me be clear - I am not interested in taking on any additional work right now.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let me be clear.

The New York Times

First, let me be clear.

The New York Times

So let me be clear.

The New York Times

But let me be clear.

The New York Times

Let me be clear, though.

Yale University

Let me be clear here.

Columbia University

Well, let me be clear.

The Washington Post

"Let me be clear," he said.

The New York Times

CRUZ: Let me be clear.

The Washington Post

"Let me be clear," Mr. Bloomberg said.

The New York Times

And let me be clear about students.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "to clarify" or "for the avoidance of doubt" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "let me be clear" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can come across as overly assertive or condescending. Opt for simpler phrases like "to be clear" or "simply put" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let me be clear" functions as a discourse marker, specifically a clarifier or emphasizer. It signals to the audience that the speaker is about to make a point that is important and should be understood without ambiguity. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let me be clear" is a versatile discourse marker used to emphasize a point and ensure clear understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a signal that what follows is important and should not be misinterpreted. The phrase is prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts, and is generally considered grammatically correct. While "let me be clear" is very common, it’s crucial to avoid overuse, especially in informal settings, where it may sound overly assertive. Alternatives like "to clarify" or "for the avoidance of doubt" can provide a more professional tone in formal writing. Use it strategically to add impact to your message and prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let's make it clear

Similar to the original but invites the listener to share in the understanding.

I want to be clear

Emphasizes the speaker's personal intention to avoid confusion.

to be perfectly clear

Emphasizes a complete lack of ambiguity.

just so we're clear

Ensures mutual understanding between speaker and audience.

for the avoidance of doubt

Primarily used in legal or formal contexts to prevent misunderstanding.

so there is no misunderstanding

Directly addresses the possibility of misinterpretation.

to put it simply

Suggests a simplification of a complex issue for clarity.

in no uncertain terms

Highlights the directness and explicitness of a statement.

to clarify my position

Focuses on making one's stance or viewpoint unambiguous.

in other words

Indicates a restatement of a previous point for better understanding.

FAQs

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

The phrase "let me be clear" is typically used to introduce a statement that you want to emphasize or ensure is understood without any ambiguity. For example, "Let me be clear – this project is our top priority."

What are some alternatives to "let me be clear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to be perfectly clear", "for the avoidance of doubt", or "to put it simply".

Is it appropriate to use "let me be clear" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate, although in very formal contexts, you might prefer alternatives like "to clarify my position" or "for the avoidance of doubt" to maintain a more professional tone.

When should I avoid using "let me be clear"?

Avoid using "let me be clear" in situations where it might come across as condescending or overly assertive. In casual conversations, a simpler clarification might be more suitable.