make something clear

USAGE SUMMARY

"make something clear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when you wish to emphasize that something should be known without a doubt. For example, "Let me make this clear: I will not be changing my stance on this issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Let me make something clear.

The New York Times

First, I want to make something clear.

The Guardian

At this point I want to make something clear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Composing himself, Tillerson added, "Let me make something clear.

The New Yorker

That Chinese rapper guy wants to make something clear.

The New York Times - Arts

UK Commitment to Human Rights First, I want to make something clear.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

I always want to change something – make something clearer, tighten it up, add something... 10.

The Guardian

McLellan had made something clear in his address.

The Guardian

Expressing an allegiance or "otherwise" making something clear can be quite bad, but the terms are broad enough to be unsettling.

The New Yorker

When you're working really hard on designing something or making something clear, it's very easy to lose that sense of fun yourself, and the work shows it.

Harvard Business Review

By saying that "Facebook gives everyone a way to use their voice," Mr. Zuckerberg makes something clear: The social network's sheer size means there will forever be errors, mistakes and things that it misses.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make something clear" when you want to remove any ambiguity and ensure your audience understands your point without a doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "make something clear" too frequently in casual conversations; it can sound overly assertive or even condescending. Opt for more relaxed phrasing like "just so you know" or "to be sure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make something clear" functions as an illocutionary act, specifically a directive. It signals the speaker's intention to ensure the listener understands a specific point without any ambiguity. As Ludwig's examples show, it often prefaces an important statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Make something clear" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize a point and prevent misunderstandings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is prevalent in news and media, formal and business, and less frequently in encyclopedias, wiki, and reference contexts. While widely applicable, it's crucial to use it judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding overly assertive. Alternatives such as "clarify matters" or "emphasize this point" can be used depending on the specific context. The phrase is a common way to introduce an important statement and ensure that the message is well-understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify matters

Focuses on clarifying multiple points rather than a single "something".

emphasize this point

Highlights a specific aspect for attention.

elucidate the situation

More formal and emphasizes providing detailed explanation.

state unequivocally

Focuses on the direct and unambiguous nature of the statement.

ensure comprehension

Focuses directly on the act of understanding.

highlight the fact

Draws attention to a specific piece of information.

lay it out plainly

Suggests a straightforward, easy-to-understand explanation.

underscore the importance

Emphasizes significance rather than clarity.

spell it out

Implies a need to explain something in very simple terms.

put it in perspective

Aims to provide context for better understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "make something clear" to emphasize a point, such as "Let me "make something clear": I will not tolerate any disrespect in this meeting."

What are some alternatives to "make something clear"?

Alternatives include "clarify matters", "elucidate the situation", or "emphasize this point", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "make something clear"?

It's appropriate when you need to ensure there is no misunderstanding or ambiguity about a particular point. However, be mindful of your tone to avoid sounding aggressive or condescending.

What's the difference between "make something clear" and "explain"?

"Explain" simply means to provide information, while "make something clear" implies removing any potential confusion and ensuring complete understanding. You explain a concept, but you "make something clear" when there's a risk of misinterpretation.