the sky is clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sky is clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing weather conditions, indicating that there are no clouds obstructing the view of the sky. Example: "After a week of rain, the sky is clear, making it a perfect day for a picnic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It should be raining, yet the sky is clear.

The Economist

When the sky is clear, the moon illuminates the water.

The New York Times - Travel

The sun is bright, and the sky is clear and blue.

Princeton University

Rain tomorrow, but tonight the sky is clear, the stars shine.

The New Yorker

This is why a cloudy night is often warmer than when the sky is clear.

The Guardian

The sky is clear, but the air is frigid and the wind fierce.

MIT Technology Review

If the sky is clear enough, you could do a bit of star-gazing.

The Guardian - Travel

by Sharon Levy Rain tomorrow, but tonight the sky is clear, the stars shine.

The New Yorker

The sky is clear and blue, but it is oppressively cold outside.

The Guardian - Music

Both dew and hoar-frost are found when the sky is clear and there is no wind.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The sky is clear and shining as a china plate and the water playfully ruffled with wind.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the sky is clear" to set a scene, describe weather conditions, or metaphorically indicate a lack of obstacles or problems.

Common error

Avoid using "the sky is clear" too frequently in metaphorical senses (e.g., "the path ahead is clear") if it overshadows the literal meaning and loses impact. Choose more specific metaphors if needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sky is clear" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. It indicates a specific atmospheric condition, often used to set a scene or provide context, as demonstrated by Ludwig. It denotes the absence of clouds.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sky is clear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the absence of clouds, as verified by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts, its primary function is descriptive, informing about weather conditions and setting scenes. While versatile, avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts. Consider alternatives such as ""the heavens are cloudless"" or ""it's a sunny day"" for variety. Ludwig confirms its correctness and broad applicability, making it a reliable phrase in both literal and evocative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there are no clouds in the sky

Directly states the absence of clouds, providing a simple and literal alternative.

the heavens are cloudless

Emphasizes the absence of clouds in a more poetic or formal way.

the skies are bright

Emphasizes the brightness of the sky, suggesting clear conditions.

the weather is fair

Indicates generally good weather conditions, including a clear sky.

the sun is shining brightly

Focuses on the presence of sunshine, implying a lack of cloud cover.

it's a sunny day

A common expression indicating good weather with sunshine and clear skies.

visibility is excellent

Highlights the good visibility due to the clear sky.

the atmosphere is transparent

Describes the air's clarity, allowing for unobstructed views.

the air is crisp and clean

Highlights the clarity of the air and the absence of haze, suggesting a clear sky.

the firmament is unclouded

A more formal and literary way to describe a sky without clouds.

FAQs

How can I use "the sky is clear" in a sentence?

You can use "the sky is clear" to describe a cloudless sky, such as: "Tonight, "the sky is clear", making it perfect for stargazing." It can also be used metaphorically to indicate that a situation is free from obstacles.

What does it mean when someone says "the sky is clear"?

Literally, "the sky is clear" means there are no clouds obstructing the view of the sky. Figuratively, it can mean that a situation is without problems or obstacles, similar to saying "the coast is clear".

Which is correct: "the sky is clear" or "the skies are clear"?

"The sky is clear" is generally used to describe the sky as a single entity. "The skies are clear" is less common but can be used to emphasize multiple areas of the sky being clear simultaneously or in a poetic manner.

What are some alternatives to saying "the sky is clear"?

Alternatives include "the heavens are cloudless", "there are no clouds in the sky", or "it's a sunny day", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.