one thing is clear

USAGE SUMMARY

"one thing is clear" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize how certain you are about something. For example, "One thing is clear: we need to take action now to address the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"One thing is clear -- we're going to keep on fighting".

Huffington Post

"One thing is clear," Mr. Gauck stated.

The New York Times

One thing is clear, they said.

The New York Times

"One thing is clear," the resolution concluded.

The New York Times

One thing is clear enough.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only one thing is clear.

The New York Times

One thing is clear though.

The Guardian

In the meantime, one thing is clear.

The New York Times

"One thing is clear," Lawlor said.

The Guardian

"One thing is clear," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

The Daily Mail One thing is clear.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one thing is clear" to introduce a definitive statement after a period of discussion or uncertainty. It signals a conclusion you want to emphasize.

Common error

Avoid using "one thing is clear" for statements that are already self-evident. Save it for situations where you need to highlight a key takeaway from a more complex situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one thing is clear" functions as a discourse marker, signaling a transition to a conclusive statement or summary. It's used to highlight a key takeaway, as supported by Ludwig's confirmation of its acceptability and numerous examples demonstrating its use in drawing conclusions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one thing is clear" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a definitive conclusion or key takeaway. As Ludwig AI confirms, its strength lies in its ability to introduce a statement of certainty after a discussion or analysis. While versatile, it is best used when highlighting a specific conclusion that warrants emphasis. Its frequent use in news and media reflects its effectiveness in presenting clear and concise summaries. Remember to avoid overuse in self-evident situations and to tailor your choice of related phrases to fit the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's undeniably true

Emphasizes the unquestionable nature of the statement.

it's patently obvious

Highlights the self-evident nature of the information.

it's plainly apparent

Focuses on the easily observable or understandable aspect.

the reality is

Directly states the actual situation, often implying a previously obscured truth.

the truth of the matter is

Highlights the factual accuracy of a claim, often after a period of uncertainty.

there's no doubt that

Expresses a lack of uncertainty regarding the statement.

it is beyond question that

Indicates that the statement cannot be reasonably doubted.

it goes without saying that

Suggests the statement is so obvious it doesn't require explicit articulation.

it's an established fact that

Points to the well-documented and accepted nature of the statement.

surely

Implies that something is certain or inevitable.

FAQs

How can I use "one thing is clear" in a sentence?

You can use "one thing is clear" to introduce a summary or conclusion after presenting some information. For example, "After reviewing all the data, "one thing is clear": we need to change our strategy."

What are some alternatives to "one thing is clear"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it's undeniably true", "it's patently obvious", or "the reality is", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to use "one thing is clear" in formal writing?

Yes, ""one thing is clear"" is appropriate for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and widely used in professional contexts like news and media.

What's the difference between "one thing is clear" and "it is clear"?

"One thing is clear" emphasizes that specifically one conclusion has been reached amidst other possibilities. "It is clear" is a more general statement of obviousness without necessarily highlighting a single point.