make clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make clear" is correct in written English and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Example: "I wanted to make clear that I am not making any promises."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make clear the stakes.

The New Yorker

This is hard to make clear.

The New York Times

Some images make clear their subject.

The New York Times - Arts

He confused to make clear".

The Guardian - Books

I should make clear here that..

The Guardian

Make clear the steps to safety".

The New York Times

Linn and its progeny make clear that it has not.

Cornell University

1359, make clear my position on the question he reserves.

Cornell University

Ph.D. applicants should make clear their research interests and agenda.

University of California, Berkeley

And they make clear their continuous love for their work.

Stanford University

How difficult is this to make clear to an audience?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make clear", ensure the context provides sufficient information for the reader to understand what is being clarified. Be specific in your clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "make clear" as a filler phrase. Ensure it genuinely adds clarity to the sentence rather than stating the obvious or being redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make clear" functions primarily as a verb phrase used to indicate the act of clarifying or elucidating a point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is often used to emphasize the importance of understanding or to remove ambiguity from a statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make clear" is a verb phrase widely used to indicate the act of clarifying or elucidating a point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility across numerous contexts. It is frequently employed in News & Media, Academia, and Science, showcasing its adaptability to both formal and informal communication styles. Key alternatives include "clarify", "elucidate", and "spell out", each offering nuanced variations in meaning. When using "make clear", be sure to provide sufficient context for effective clarification and avoid overuse as a filler phrase. Remember, its primary function is to ensure understanding and remove ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify

This alternative is a single word that directly conveys the action of making something easier to understand.

elucidate

This alternative suggests a more formal and thorough explanation to remove confusion.

spell out

This alternative implies explaining something in a very detailed and explicit manner.

articulate

This alternative focuses on expressing something in a clear and effective way.

set forth

This alternative means to present or explain something in a clear and structured way.

illuminate

This alternative suggests shedding light on something to make it more understandable.

specify

This alternative emphasizes providing detailed and precise information.

define

This alternative focuses on providing a precise meaning or explanation of something.

expressly state

This alternative emphasizes stating something directly and without ambiguity.

highlight

This alternative focuses on drawing attention to a particular aspect to make it stand out.

FAQs

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

You can use "make clear" to introduce a clarification or explanation. For example, "I want to "make clear" that our intentions are good."

What are some alternatives to "make clear"?

Alternatives to "make clear" include "clarify", "elucidate", or "spell out", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "make clear" or "clarify"?

"Make clear" is often used to introduce a statement, whereas "clarify" is a direct action verb. The choice depends on the sentence structure and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "make clear" and "make obvious"?

"Make clear" implies removing ambiguity and ensuring understanding, while "make obvious" suggests something is already evident but needs emphasis. For instance, you "make clear" a complex policy, but you make obvious a simple fact.