properly clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "properly clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is made clear in an appropriate or effective manner. Example: "The instructions were properly clear, allowing everyone to understand the process without confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The Kenyans accused the ministry of failing to properly clear old training grounds used by the British Army since the 1950's.

The New York Times

Sim scored with a low shot in the 91st minute after the Jets failed to properly clear a long free-kick into the box.

The Guardian - Sport

Substitute Shannon Cole lashed the ball home from near the penalty spot in the 55th minute, after Sanfrecce failed to properly clear an Ono cross.

The Guardian - Sport

The Portuguese midfielder, who enjoyed one of his better afternoons of the season, slotted beyond Lukasz Zaluska after United failed to properly clear a Papac free-kick.

The Guardian - Sport

Neymar met the ball at a difficult height after Mexico defender Francisco Rodriguez failed to properly clear a header and showed great technique to volley the ball left-footed past Jose Corona in the ninth minute.

The New York Times - Sports

Shakhter failed to properly clear their lines following another corner and Lustig's drive from outside the box fell kindly to the Greek striker, who quickly swept the ball past Mokin from 10 yards.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It is naturally prone to flooding, yet its waterways have not been properly cleared for decades.

The Economist

The novel is inevitably and properly clearer about its position on another internal debate.

The Guardian - Books

Liverpool never properly cleared their lines for the opener, which came following Marc Albrighton's corner.

The Guardian - Sport

"I still believe it was a useful and informative and professional activity that had been properly cleared".

The New York Times

Willy Caballero smothered the South Korean's attempt, but the ball was never properly cleared in the confusion which ensued.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "properly clear" when you want to emphasize that something is not only clear but also handled or explained in the correct and appropriate manner, ensuring there is no room for misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "properly clear" in very informal conversations or casual writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in contexts where simpler language is more appropriate. Choose a more conversational alternative when speaking or writing informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "properly clear" functions as an adverb-verb combination, where "properly" modifies the verb "clear". This signifies that something is made understandable or unambiguous in a correct and appropriate manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "properly clear" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that combines an adverb and a verb to convey that something has been clarified correctly and appropriately. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is especially useful when you want to emphasize the correctness and effectiveness of a clarification, minimizing the potential for misunderstanding. While the phrase is versatile, it finds frequent use in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts. Alternatives like "adequately clarify" or "sufficiently explain" offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis, as shown in examples from various authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adequately clarify

Emphasizes the sufficiency of the clarification.

sufficiently explain

Focuses on providing enough explanation.

correctly articulate

Highlights the accuracy and precision of the expression.

appropriately define

Stresses the suitability of the definition.

accurately depict

Emphasizes the faithfulness of the representation.

precisely delineate

Focuses on the exactness of the description.

clearly elucidate

Highlights the clarity and thoroughness of the explanation.

effectively convey

Stresses the successful communication of the message.

suitably express

Emphasizes the appropriateness of the wording.

aptly illustrate

Focuses on the relevance and effectiveness of the illustration.

FAQs

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

You can use "properly clear" to describe something that has been clarified in an effective and appropriate manner. For example: "The instructions were "properly clear", ensuring everyone understood the process."

What are some alternatives to "properly clear"?

Alternatives include "adequately clarify", "sufficiently explain", or "clearly elucidate", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say something is "properly clear"?

While "clear" on its own implies understanding, ""properly clear"" emphasizes that the clarification was handled correctly and appropriately, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

What's the difference between "properly clear" and "perfectly clear"?

"Properly clear" suggests something has been clarified in an appropriate or correct way, while "perfectly clear" means something is entirely unambiguous and easily understood.