looks clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looks clear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something appears to be understandable or free of confusion. Example: "After reviewing the report, everything looks clear, and I can proceed with the next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"He looks clear.

The New York Times

Then the journey ahead looks clear.

The Guardian - Music

Keep skimming until the stock looks clear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

THE big picture in Ukraine often looks clear and dramatic.

The Economist

You see, at this moment everything looks clear to me, but what happened just before?

The New Yorker

NOT for the first time, the message from the stockmarket looks clear.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

One looks clear-eyed and confident, the other smiles.

The New York Times

It looks clearer and more saturated.

The New York Times

But at least its outline looks clearer.

The Economist

"The world looks clearer after they've converted".

The New York Times

In short, the competitive landscape looks clearer than it has done in ages.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation, use "looks clear" to convey that there are no apparent obstacles or difficulties. For example, "After the storm passed, the road ahead "looks clear", so we can continue our journey."

Common error

Avoid using "looks clear" when a deeper, more nuanced analysis is required. The phrase implies a superficial assessment, which might be inadequate for complex scenarios. Instead, opt for phrases that reflect thorough investigation and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looks clear" primarily functions as a descriptive expression. It's used to convey that something appears to be without obstacles, understandable, or free from ambiguity. Examples in Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, from describing physical clarity (e.g., water quality) to abstract clarity (e.g., a plan or strategy). Ludwig AI analysis also shows it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looks clear" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate that something appears to be free of obstacles, understandable, or unambiguous. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain settings. While it's best practice to use it when a situation truly appears straightforward, avoid it when a deeper analysis is needed. The phrase serves as a preliminary assessment, providing assurance or information about a situation's apparent state. Alternative phrases, such as "appears obvious" or "is easily understood", can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is crystal clear

Intensifies the sense of clarity, suggesting that something is exceptionally easy to understand.

appears obvious

Emphasizes the evident nature of something, shifting focus from visual clarity to obviousness.

seems evident

Similar to "appears obvious", but with a slightly stronger implication of supporting evidence.

is readily apparent

Stresses the ease with which something can be noticed or understood.

is plainly visible

Highlights the visual aspect more directly, emphasizing that something can be easily seen.

is easily understood

Focuses on the comprehension aspect, implying that something is not difficult to grasp.

presents no obstruction

Shifts the focus to the absence of any impediment or barrier.

is free from ambiguity

Highlights the lack of confusion or multiple interpretations.

the path is unobstructed

Specifically refers to a physical or metaphorical path being free of obstacles.

the coast is clear

Suggests that there is no immediate danger or risk involved, especially before taking action.

FAQs

How can I use "looks clear" in a sentence?

You can use "looks clear" to describe a situation that appears straightforward or free of obstacles. For instance, "The project plan "looks clear", so we can proceed to the next phase".

What are some alternatives to "looks clear"?

Alternatives include "appears obvious", "seems evident", or "is easily understood", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "looks clear" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "looks clear" might be considered informal for some formal contexts. In such cases, consider using more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "appears evident" or "is readily apparent".

What's the difference between "looks clear" and "is clear"?

"Looks clear" implies an observation or initial assessment, while "is clear" suggests a definitive state of clarity. For example, "The water "looks clear", but we should still test it" versus "The instructions are clear and easy to follow".