to be cleared up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be cleared up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to resolving confusion or misunderstanding about a particular issue or topic. Example: "There are several points in the report that need to be cleared up before we can proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That needs to be cleared up".

The New Yorker

That needs to be cleared up quickly".

The New Yorker

"That's something that needs to be cleared up".

The New York Times

We expect the matter to be cleared up soon".

Independent

Some issues might need to be "cleared up", he said.

The Guardian

The facts are to be cleared up with the utmost speed.

Yale University

A thing that ought to be cleared up is the "Encyclopaedia Britannica" situation.

The New Yorker

Much still remains to be cleared up from the time before the new rules were adopted.

The Economist

"We've created a mess, and this mess needs to be cleared up," he said.

The New York Times

Clearly – with the new claims – there are questions to be cleared up".

The Guardian

A movement came and went and left an awful lot of pieces to be cleared up afterwards.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be cleared up" when you want to express that a situation, misunderstanding, or issue requires resolution or clarification. It implies a need for things to become more understandable or organized.

Common error

While "to be cleared up" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in very informal conversations. Simpler phrases like "to fix" or "to sort out" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be cleared up" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something needs to be resolved or clarified. Ludwig's examples show its use in contexts where ambiguity, misunderstanding, or outstanding issues require attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be cleared up" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something needs clarification or resolution. As verified by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in overly casual settings, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. Its neutral register makes it suitable for professional and formal communication, emphasizing the need for greater understanding or organization. Alternative phrases like "to be resolved" or "to be clarified" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be resolved

Focuses on the act of finding a solution or answer to a problem or issue.

to be clarified

Emphasizes the need for making something easier to understand, removing ambiguity.

to be sorted out

Suggests organizing or resolving a chaotic or confused situation.

to be straightened out

Implies correcting something that is wrong or not functioning properly.

to be elucidated

Highlights the act of making something clear and comprehensible through explanation.

to be settled

Indicates the need for a final decision or agreement on a matter.

to be ironed out

Refers to resolving minor difficulties or disagreements.

to be untangled

Suggests resolving a complex or confusing situation by simplifying it.

to be figured out

Emphasizes the need for understanding or discovering something through thought or investigation.

to be addressed

Highlights the need to deal with a problem or issue directly and thoroughly.

FAQs

How can I use "to be cleared up" in a sentence?

You can use "to be cleared up" to indicate that something needs clarification or resolution. For example, "There are a few misunderstandings that need "to be cleared up" before we proceed".

What's a more direct alternative to "to be cleared up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to be resolved", "to be clarified", or "to be sorted out". These options might sound more concise in certain situations.

When is it appropriate to use "to be cleared up" instead of "to be solved"?

"To be cleared up" is best when referring to ambiguities or misunderstandings, whereas "to be solved" is more fitting for problems or issues needing a solution. So, you would say a mystery needs "to be cleared up" and a mathematical equation needs "to be solved".

Is "to be cleared up" formal or informal?

"To be cleared up" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is suitable for professional communication and news articles, as shown by the numerous examples from "The New York Times" and "The Guardian", but might be replaced by a more direct verb in very informal settings.