stand clear

USAGE SUMMARY

"stand clear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean that someone should move away from the area in order to be out of harm's way or to not be in someone else's way. For example, "Please stand clear while the train passes through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Stand clear.

The New Yorker

"Stand clear of the closing doors, please".

The New York Times

Stand clear of the closing doors.

The New York Times - Arts

And stand clear of the closing doors.

The New York Times

Please stand clear of the closing doors.

The New Yorker

And stand clear of the closing doors, please.

The New York Times

Reportedly, much of the forthcoming "Stand Clear of the Closing Doors" occurs underground.

The New Yorker

personnel were ordered to "stand clear and report" any abusive interrogation tactics.

The New Yorker

By Emmet von Stackelberg April 10 , 2015Stand clear of the closing doors, please.

The New Yorker

Among the quotations is a classic, on Page 6, "Stand clear of the closing doors, please".

The New York Times

"This is a Manhattan-bound F. The next stop is 21st Street-Queensbridge. Please stand clear of the closing doors".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions involving machinery or potentially hazardous situations, use "stand clear" to ensure people understand the need to move away for their safety.

Common error

Avoid using vague terms like "move back a little" when specific instructions are needed. "Stand clear" is direct and unambiguous, reducing the risk of misunderstanding in critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand clear" primarily functions as an imperative, issuing a direct instruction or command. Ludwig AI confirms this through its examples, showcasing how it's used to immediately direct individuals away from a potentially dangerous area or object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stand clear" is a commonly used imperative phrase that advises individuals to move away from a specific area, usually for safety reasons. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent application in diverse contexts like announcements in public transport, construction sites, and scientific operations. This phrase maintains a neutral to slightly informal register and is most often found within news and media sources, as well as wiki-based instructional content. When instructing someone to move from a potential danger zone, using "stand clear" is a straightforward method.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep away

Focuses on maintaining a distance from something, often implying a potential hazard.

stay back

Emphasizes the action of remaining at a distance or retreating slightly.

move aside

Directs someone to physically shift their position to allow passage or create space.

step away

Suggests a more deliberate action of moving away from a specific point or object.

clear the area

Indicates a need to completely evacuate or empty a particular space.

keep your distance

Stresses the importance of maintaining a safe or respectful separation.

make way

Implies creating a path or opening for someone or something to pass through.

give space

Focuses on providing sufficient room or clearance around someone or something.

move back

A simple instruction to retreat or move towards the rear.

leave room

Highlights the need to create or preserve available space.

FAQs

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

You can use "stand clear" as a direct imperative, for instance, "Stand clear of the closing doors" or "Please stand clear of the area while we conduct our tests."

What's a more formal way to say "stand clear"?

While "stand clear" is widely understood, in more formal settings you might say "please keep a safe distance" or "maintain a safe perimeter" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "stand clear"?

The phrase "stand clear" is generally correct, but it's best suited for situations where there's an immediate need for safety or space. In casual conversations, alternatives like "move aside" may be more appropriate.

What does "stand clear" mean in the context of the New York City subway?

In the NYC subway, "stand clear" is a standard announcement, warning passengers to move away from the train doors to avoid being caught as they close: "Stand clear of the closing doors, please".