to be clearly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be clearly" is not correct in standard written English as it lacks proper context and structure.
It can be used in a sentence where clarity is being emphasized, but it typically needs additional context to be grammatically correct. Example: "The instructions need to be clearly stated to avoid confusion."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That has to be clearly spelled out".

The New York Times - Sports

Thus, the chemical reaction hazard has to be clearly identified.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

This needs to be clearly set out in the documentation.

Writing for Science and Engineering Papers, Presentations and Reports

The Bush Administration policy has yet to be clearly defined.

The New York Times

But the policy does have to be clearly disclosed.

The New York Times

They need to be clearly differentiated from minimum regulatory requirements.

The Guardian - Business

"We needed to be clearly on the record with them".

The New York Times

The building is meant to be clearly modern.

The New York Times

The problem to be solved had to be clearly defined.

Harvard Business Review

The older stick margarines turned out to be clearly worse for you than butter.

Harvard University

To date, the biochemical pathways mediating cervical remodeling have yet to be clearly elucidated.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context surrounding "to be clearly" provides sufficient information for the reader to understand what is being clarified. For example, "The instructions need "to be clearly" stated to avoid confusion."

Common error

Avoid using "to be clearly" without specifying what needs clarification or what the expected outcome of the clarification should be. Being vague undermines the purpose of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be clearly" functions as part of an infinitive phrase, often modifying a verb or adjective. It serves to emphasize the need for clarity, explicitness, or unambiguity in a statement, instruction, or concept. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in various contexts where precision and understanding are crucial.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be clearly" is a versatile phrase used across various domains to emphasize the need for clarity and precision. While Ludwig AI marks it as acceptable, it's important to ensure the surrounding context provides sufficient information to avoid vagueness. As the multiple examples from Ludwig show, this phrase frequently appears in news, scientific, and academic contexts, emphasizing its broad applicability and importance in ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be explicit

This alternative focuses on stating something directly and without any ambiguity.

to be evident

This alternative suggests that something is easily seen or understood.

to be plain

This alternative emphasizes simplicity and ease of understanding.

to be obvious

This alternative indicates that something is very easy to notice or understand.

to be distinct

This alternative highlights the characteristic of being clearly different or sharply defined.

to be unambiguous

This alternative focuses on the lack of any possible confusion or misinterpretation.

to be well-defined

This alternative emphasizes the characteristic of being described or explained accurately and thoroughly.

to be readily apparent

This alternative focuses on the ease with which something can be noticed or understood.

to be easily understood

This alternative emphasizes the accessibility of the information to the audience.

to be transparent

This alternative highlights openness and honesty, suggesting that something is easily seen through or understood.

FAQs

How can I use "to be clearly" in a sentence?

The phrase "to be clearly" requires additional context to be grammatically sound. For example, "The policy needs "to be clearly defined"" or "The rules need "to be clearly stated"".

What are some alternatives to "to be clearly"?

Some alternatives include "to be explicit", "to be evident", or "to be plain", depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

What does it mean when something needs "to be clearly" defined?

When something needs "to be clearly" defined, it means that its boundaries, characteristics, or meaning should be articulated in a way that leaves no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation. A clear definition ensures everyone has the same understanding.

Is it always necessary for instructions "to be clearly" explained?

While not always strictly necessary, having instructions "to be clearly explained" is generally advisable, especially when dealing with complex or critical tasks. Clarity minimizes errors, misunderstandings, and potential negative consequences.