must be clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the importance of clarity in communication or instructions. Example: "In order to avoid misunderstandings, your message must be clear and concise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Second, the goal must be clear.

The New York Times

But one must be clear.

The New York Times - Style

The mission must be clear.

The New York Times

"But now we must be clear.

The Guardian

Mr. Obama must be clear about that on Thursday.

The New York Times

We must be clear why this toughness is necessary.

The Guardian

We Liberal Democrats must be clear about our intentions.

The Guardian

And there must be clear skies on the day.

The Guardian - Books

Here we must be clear, these injuries are not scrapes and bruises.

Independent

Some analysts said the United States must be clear about what it would not tolerate.

The New York Times

Whatever else an airport signage system succeeds in being, it must be clear.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be clear" in instructions or guidelines, follow up with specific details and examples to ensure the message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid making a statement that something "must be clear" without providing the clarification immediately afterward. Leaving the reader to guess what needs to be clear undermines the purpose of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be clear" functions as a modal phrase expressing necessity and emphasis on the importance of clarity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and usable. It often precedes an explanation or specification to ensure understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be clear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that emphasizes the necessity of clarity and understanding. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its proper usage is crucial for effective communication across various domains, including science, news, and business. To maximize its impact, always follow up with specific details or examples to ensure the message is easily grasped and free from ambiguity. Remember to avoid vagueness and provide immediate clarification when stating that something "must be clear".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be explicit

Replaces "clear" with "explicit", focusing on direct and unambiguous expression.

ought to be unambiguous

Stresses the importance of being free from multiple interpretations.

has to be transparent

Shifts the focus to openness and visibility, implying clarity through accessibility.

must be well-defined

Highlights the quality of a clear and specific definition.

should be obvious

Suggests the information is easily understood without requiring explanation.

has to be easily understood

Focuses on the accessibility and simplicity of the message or concept.

it is imperative to clarify

Highlights the urgency and importance of making something clear.

it is essential to define

Emphasizes the need for precise boundaries and meanings.

it's crucial to articulate

Focuses on expressing something in a clear and understandable way.

it's important to specify

Highlights the need to state something precisely and in detail.

FAQs

How can I use "must be clear" in a sentence?

You can use "must be clear" to emphasize the necessity of clarity in a statement or instruction. For example, "The instructions "must be clear" to avoid errors."

What can I say instead of "must be clear"?

Alternatives include "needs to be explicit", "should be obvious", or "has to be transparent", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "must be clear" or "should be clear"?

"Must be clear" implies a stronger necessity than "should be clear". Use ""must be clear"" when clarity is essential and non-negotiable. "Should be clear" suggests a preference but allows for some flexibility.

What does it mean when something "must be clear"?

When something ""must be clear"", it means that it is essential for the information to be easily understood and without ambiguity. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding confusion or misinterpretation.