partially clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "partially clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not completely clear or understandable, indicating that there is some level of clarity but not total. Example: "The instructions were partially clear, leaving me with a few questions about the final steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Many issues remain unresolved or only partially clear.

The Guardian

58 min: Simao delivers an out-swinging corner.. straight to Luis Fabiano, who hacks partially clear.

The Guardian - Sport

Traditionally, this has required a team of researchers and assistants to comb and partially clear the forest, and then to mark, measure, and map every fixed, man-made feature, down to the smallest carved stone, while being tormented by mosquitoes, black flies, heat, and the persistent hazard of venomous snakes.

The New Yorker

The molecular mechanisms underpinning ketogenic diet effectiveness are only partially clear.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

If certain knowledge is available, then additional factors can be studied through designs containing partially clear main effects.

Statistics & Probability Letters

And as Chelsea applied early pressure, Andre Schurrle shot just wide from the edge of the area after Southampton could only partially clear a corner.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

When a corner was partially cleared, a loose ball broke to Williamson 14 yards from goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Maloney was again involved, with his poor corner only partially cleared by the Germans.

The Guardian - Sport

OUTDOOR SPACE: Eight acres, partially cleared, with meadows — and views — to the south and east.

The New York Times

Farther south, white-tailed deer thrive on the forest borders and partially cleared areas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It became a polyglot modern centre with cabarets, nightclubs, and squalid slums (later partially cleared).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "partially clear", specify what aspect is clear and what remains unclear to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "partially clear" when there is no actual clarity; if something is entirely obscure, choose a more accurate descriptor like "unclear" or "opaque".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "partially clear" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it possesses a degree of clarity, but not entirely. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "partially clear" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something is not entirely clear or understandable. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous real-world examples shows it is prevalent in scientific, news, and general contexts. When using "partially clear", it's helpful to specify what exactly is clear and what remains unclear to avoid any ambiguity. Alternatives like "somewhat clear" or "not entirely clear" can be used to achieve similar meaning while adjusting the nuance. Overall, this phrase serves as a useful tool to express nuance and detail when describing complex or incompletely understood subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat clear

Changes the degree of clarity, implying it's clear to some extent.

not entirely clear

Emphasizes the lack of complete clarity.

partly understood

Focuses on the level of understanding rather than clarity.

imperfectly clear

Highlights the imperfection or incompleteness of the clarity.

hazy understanding

Suggests a vague or indistinct comprehension.

vaguely defined

Refers to a lack of precision in definition or understanding.

ambiguous

Indicates a state of uncertainty or doubtfulness.

clouded

Implies obscurity or a lack of transparency.

incompletely defined

Focuses on the absence of total definition.

murky

Implies a lack of clarity and transparency, often suggesting obscurity.

FAQs

What does "partially clear" mean?

The phrase "partially clear" describes a situation where something is understandable or visible to some degree, but not completely. There is a level of clarity, but it is not total.

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

You can use "partially clear" to describe instructions, explanations, or even physical objects when they aren't fully understandable or visible. For example, "The instructions were "partially clear", so I needed to ask for help".

Which is more appropriate: "partially clear" or "not clear"?

The choice depends on the context. Use "partially clear" when some aspects are understandable or visible. Use "not clear" when nothing is understandable or visible. In other words, "partially clear" indicates some degree of clarity, while "not clear" indicates a complete lack of clarity.

What are some alternatives to "partially clear"?

Alternatives include "somewhat clear", "not entirely clear", or "partly understood" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.