Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

so clearly

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"so clearly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a point that is obvious or self-evident. For example, "It was so clearly the right decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So clearly, bullying escalates.

News & Media

The New York Times

"So clearly I was wrong".

So, clearly, did the audience.

So, clearly, yes, there are differences.

News & Media

The New Yorker

So clearly I'm a liar.

News & Media

The New York Times

I remember it so clearly.

So clearly, age isn't everything.

News & Media

The Guardian

So clearly Iowa was not the priority".

News & Media

The New Yorker

Obama has never categorized himself so clearly.

News & Media

The New York Times

So, clearly, now was Kip's time.

News & Media

The New York Times

So clearly I've got guts.

News & Media

The Guardian
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so clearly" to introduce a conclusion or observation that is easily understood from the context. It's useful when you want to reinforce the obviousness of your point.

Common error

While "so clearly" is acceptable, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "it is evident that" or "it is apparent that" to maintain a professional tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so clearly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something is undeniably or obviously true. As shown by Ludwig, the expression serves to emphasize the certainty of an observation or conclusion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so clearly" is a common adverbial phrase used to emphasize the obviousness of a statement or conclusion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and finds frequent use in news and media, although it leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. For more formal writing, synonyms such as "it is evident that" or "undoubtedly" might be more appropriate. Be mindful of overuse to prevent your writing from sounding repetitive.

FAQs

How can I use "so clearly" in a sentence?

"So clearly" is used to emphasize the obviousness of a statement or conclusion based on preceding information. For example, "The data shows a significant increase in sales; "so clearly" the new marketing strategy is working."

What are some alternatives to "so clearly"?

Alternatives include "obviously", "it's evident that", "it's obvious that", or "undoubtedly", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "so clearly" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "so clearly" when you want to highlight the self-evident nature of a conclusion or observation. It's effective in both informal and some formal contexts, but overuse can reduce its impact. Consider alternatives to maintain variety.

Is "so clearly" too informal for academic writing?

While not strictly incorrect, "so clearly" might be considered less formal than other options for academic writing. Opt for phrases like "it is evident" or "it is apparent" to maintain a more professional tone. However, the appropriateness depends on the specific field and the overall style of the paper.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: