pretty clear

USAGE SUMMARY

"pretty clear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain that something is easily understood. For example, "The instructions were written in simple language, so they were pretty clear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pretty clear.

Independent

It was pretty clear.

The New York Times - Sports

Pretty clear, no?

The New Yorker

It is pretty clear".

The New York Times

It's pretty clear.

The Economist

Well, that's pretty clear.

The New York Times

That's pretty clear.

The New York Times

So that's pretty clear.

Harvard Business Review

That seems pretty clear.

The Guardian

PMLN win is pretty clear.

The New York Times

The evidence is pretty clear".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a diverse audience, consider that "pretty clear" might be interpreted differently depending on the reader's background. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "readily apparent" or "easily understood".

Common error

While "pretty clear" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language to maintain credibility and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty clear" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of being easily understood or apparent. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pretty clear" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something is easily understood or apparent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and applicable in various contexts, though leaning slightly towards informal settings. It functions primarily as an adjective phrase. When writing, be mindful of the context, opting for more formal alternatives like "readily apparent" in academic or professional settings. The phrase enjoys frequent use in news media and academic circles, signifying its versatility in conveying clarity. Remember, while precise and functional, "pretty clear" balances informality and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite obvious

Emphasizes the straightforward and easily perceived nature of something.

fairly obvious

Similar to "pretty clear" but may imply a slightly lesser degree of certainty.

readily apparent

More formal and emphasizes ease of perception.

easily understood

Focuses on the comprehensibility of something.

plainly evident

Highlights the clear and unmistakable nature of something.

crystal clear

Emphasizes exceptional clarity and lack of ambiguity.

unmistakably clear

Highlights the impossibility of misunderstanding.

patently obvious

Implies that something is obvious to everyone.

distinctly clear

Suggests a noticeable and unambiguous clarity.

clearly defined

Focuses on the well-defined and precise nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "pretty clear" to describe something easily understood. For example, "The instructions were "pretty clear", so I had no trouble assembling the furniture."

What are some alternatives to "pretty clear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "quite obvious", "easily understood", or "crystal clear".

Is "pretty clear" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "pretty clear" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, opt for alternatives like "readily apparent" or "plainly evident".

What's the difference between "pretty clear" and "crystal clear"?

"Pretty clear" suggests something is easy to understand, while "crystal clear" implies exceptional clarity and a complete lack of ambiguity. The latter is a stronger, more emphatic expression.