lucid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lucid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is clear, easy to understand, or expressed in a way that is coherent and rational. Example: "After a long discussion, she finally provided a lucid explanation of the complex topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This isn't in a manic way, either – he's relaxed and lucid.

The Guardian - Music

When they recall the events of the worst day in their own history, Terry and Sharen are surprisingly lucid about the details.

The Guardian

He paid them the tribute of lucid investigation and they unfolded before him.

The Guardian - Books

His lucid memoir moves from his youthful Christian dedication to a fearlessly honest reappraisal.

The Guardian - Books

Bond advocated a return to the lucid frenzy and forensic violence of the Greeks in Olly's Prison (a 1993 teleplay), in which a father kills an obstinately silent daughter for refusing to drink a cup of tea; and in There Will Be More, when a modern, child-killing Medea becomes a refugee from the asylum bombed by her own military husband.

The Guardian

A lucid interval, and a great expenditure of effort, permit you to look at the clock.

The Guardian - Books

But a few pages on, Hanif Kureishi appears to do just that in his lucid but rather simplistic piece on Enoch Powell.

The Guardian

He was generous about the younger Tony Blair, who worked for him in opposition in the 1980s – "lucid, loyal, hardworking, very clever" – but sad that Blair had come to politics too late, without roots in the Labour movement.

The Guardian

"But if he had been, or if he was, and any calls were made for help for him being on substances, I believe that the police should arrive in a manner approaching it, to knowing that this person is maybe on a mind-altering substance, so that they know that they're not going to be lucid or be able to make rational decisions".

The Guardian

Richard Barnett's superbly erudite and lucid accompanying text would really suffice in itself as an introduction to the history of western medical science.

The Guardian - Arts

He describes this in beautifully lucid prose.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lucid" to describe mental states to convey rationality and coherence, particularly when contrasting with states of confusion or impairment.

Common error

Avoid using "lucid" to describe concepts or explanations that are already inherently simple. Overuse can make your writing sound pretentious. Reserve "lucid" for situations where clarity is an achievement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lucid" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their clarity, rationality, or transparency. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, "lucid" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "lucid" is a versatile term used to describe clarity, rationality, and transparency across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. With a very common frequency, "lucid" appears predominantly in news and media, formal business, and scientific domains, signaling its applicability in formal writing and discussions. When writing with "lucid", remember to reserve its use for contexts where clarity is especially valued, avoiding overuse in simple scenarios. Alternatives like "clear" and "coherent" can offer nuanced options depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear

A more general term for easy understanding.

easily understood

Emphasizes the simplicity of comprehension.

coherent

Highlights the logical and consistent nature.

rational

Focuses on the sanity and reason behind something.

transparent

Implies openness and lack of hidden meaning.

unambiguous

Stresses the lack of potential for misinterpretation.

explicit

Highlights that something is fully and clearly expressed.

pellucid

More formal synonym for clear, especially in writing.

intelligible

Focuses on the capability of being understood.

comprehensible

Similar to intelligible, but may suggest that understanding requires some effort.

FAQs

How can I use "lucid" in a sentence?

You can use "lucid" to describe something that is clear and easy to understand, such as "a lucid explanation". It can also describe someone who is mentally rational: "He was lucid despite his illness".

What is a synonym for "lucid"?

Alternatives to "lucid" include "clear", "coherent", "easily understood", and "rational". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to describe a dream as "lucid"?

Yes, a "lucid" dream is a dream during which the dreamer is aware that they are dreaming. This is a common and accepted usage of the word.

What's the difference between "lucid" and "transparent"?

"Lucid" implies clarity of understanding or expression, while "transparent" suggests openness and lack of hidden agendas. Something can be transparent without being lucid if it's presented in a confusing way.