this was clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was clear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has been understood or is evident in a previous context or statement. Example: "After reviewing the report, it was evident that this was clear to everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This was "clear error," Justice Alito said.

The New York Times

"This was clear error," he said.

The New York Times

This was clear the next day.

The New York Times - Travel

This was clear even before I spoke to Gaglani.

The Guardian - Money

Insofar, that is, as any of this was clear.

The New York Times - Arts

He handled men, not sand; this was clear at a glance.

The New Yorker

This was clear when Real Madrid paid funny money for Kaká and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Guardian - Sport

It would be another month before this was clear, he said.

The New York Times

The challenge in this was clear, but Herb retained his equanimity, sipping tea.

The New Yorker

All of this was clear in the face of the tiny new baby.

The New Yorker

This was clear on Thursday during the first sections of "Michaels Reise," called "Entrance" and "Formula".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was clear" to concisely convey that a fact, reason, or implication was easily understood or evident from previous context. It bridges the gap between stated information and its obvious conclusion.

Common error

Avoid using "this was clear" as a mere filler phrase, especially when the clarity isn't genuinely established by prior statements. Ensure the context genuinely supports the assertion of clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was clear" functions as an evaluative statement, indicating that something was easily understood or apparent based on the context provided. Ludwig AI shows examples where the phrase bridges preceding information with a logical conclusion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this was clear" serves as a concise way to express that something was easily understood or evident. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's essential to ensure the context genuinely supports the claim of clarity to avoid overuse as a filler. Alternatives like "it was evident" and "it was obvious" can provide a more formal or nuanced expression, but the basic meaning remains the same. The widespread usage and adaptability of "this was clear" make it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was evident

Directly replaces "this was clear" with a synonym for "clear", keeping the sentence structure identical.

it was obvious

Uses "obvious" instead of "clear", implying an easily perceived understanding.

it became apparent

Indicates that something became clear over time or after some consideration.

it was plain to see

Emphasizes the ease with which something could be understood.

the implication was clear

Focuses on the clarity of the implication rather than the clarity of a general situation.

this much was obvious

Highlights the undeniable nature of what was clear.

it was readily apparent

Combines synonyms for "clear" and "obvious" to express easy understanding.

the evidence suggested

Shifts focus to the supporting evidence that made something clear.

it was beyond doubt

Expresses certainty and clarity about something.

the message was unmistakable

Focuses on the clarity and lack of ambiguity in a communicated message.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this was clear" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "it was evident", "it was apparent", or "it became obvious", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "this was clear" and "this was obvious"?

While similar, "clear" implies an understanding based on readily available information, whereas "obvious" suggests that something is easily perceived without needing much explanation. Therefore, "this was obvious" can be used when information is immediately apparent.

In what situations is it best to use "this was clear"?

Use "this was clear" when you want to highlight that a conclusion or understanding naturally follows from the preceding information, implying that the connection should be easily grasped by the audience.

Are there any alternatives to "this was clear" that emphasize the speaker's perspective?

Yes, alternatives like "it was clear to me" or "I understood" can be used to indicate that the clarity is from the speaker's point of view rather than an objective truth.