not only clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not only clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing that something is clear, while also indicating that there is an additional quality or aspect to be considered. Example: "The instructions were not only clear but also easy to follow, making the process much smoother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

To him, the connection between garlic and horses is not only clear but life sustaining.

The New York Times - Sports

That was not only clear when Ken Livingstone breathlessly announced that he was "happier than I've been for 30 years".

Independent

The guide, by Ian Giddy, is not only clear and useful, but it also has a bit of an attitude.

The New York Times - Arts

Gear VR's challenge is to not only clear the technological hurdles but also demonstrate the broader usefulness of immersive virtual worlds.

MIT Technology Review

Dr Memmott said he hoped continuing research in the area would not only clear up the historical record but also help architectural designers working on current housing problems.

The Guardian

Successful applicants will be required to not only clear farms of the narcotic plant, but also any "growing equipment" found on the sites.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Structured Liberal Education SLEE) not only clears four WAYS requirements, it's also an excellent community of nerds like yourself.

Stanford University

Mr. Lyons and his sons not only cleared the land and dug the foundation, but also provided faultlessly good advice.

The New York Times

Note that this revised assignment is now not only clearer than the original; it also requires less regurgitation and more sustained thought.

Yale University

A month after that, however, a police review board not only cleared them of wrongdoing but "praised the deputies in their sound judgment".

The Guardian

What is evident, though, is that he not only cleared the air over a particular controversy — he raised the discussion to a higher plane.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not only clear" to emphasize that something possesses an obvious quality and additional noteworthy attributes, enhancing the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "not only clear" when a simple "clear" will suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound verbose. Reserve it for situations where you want to highlight a secondary, equally important characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only clear" functions as a compound adjective. It is used to describe something that is easily understood and possesses an additional positive attribute. Ludwig AI examples showcase its usage in various contexts, reinforcing its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not only clear" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to emphasize the clarity of something while simultaneously highlighting an additional positive attribute. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a compound adjective and is commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "crystal clear" or "unambiguously clear" to add nuance. Remember to avoid overusing "not only clear" in simple contexts where "clear" alone suffices to maintain writing conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not just clear

Replaces "only" with "just", slightly changing the emphasis but maintaining the core meaning of clarity and an additional aspect.

more than clear

Emphasizes that the clarity exceeds a basic level, suggesting a high degree of understanding or visibility.

unambiguously clear

Adds emphasis on the lack of ambiguity, highlighting that there's no room for misinterpretation.

crystal clear

Uses a metaphor to describe the high level of clarity, emphasizing its purity and transparency.

perfectly clear

Indicates that the clarity is complete and without any imperfections.

entirely clear

Highlights that clarity is thorough and comprehensive in all aspects.

patently clear

Indicates that the clarity is obvious and easily recognizable.

plainly clear

Emphasizes the simplicity and straightforwardness of the clarity.

distinctly clear

Highlights that the clarity is easily distinguishable and well-defined.

manifestly clear

Suggests that the clarity is evident and undeniable.

FAQs

How do I use "not only clear" in a sentence?

Use "not only clear" to emphasize the lucidity of something while introducing an additional quality or aspect. For example, "The explanation was "not only clear" but also concise."

What can I say instead of "not only clear"?

Alternatives include "crystal clear", "unambiguously clear", or "more than clear" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "not only clear" or "not just clear"?

Both "not only clear" and "not just clear" are grammatically correct and can be used to express a similar idea, but "not only clear" is often considered more formal.

What is the difference between "not only clear" and "clear"?

"Clear" simply states that something is easily understood. "Not only clear" emphasizes that quality and introduces an additional attribute or benefit. For example, saying something is ""not only clear" but also insightful" suggests it's both easy to understand and provides valuable new perspectives.