to make clear

USAGE SUMMARY

"to make clear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used when you want to explain something in detail. For example: "I'd like to make clear that all reports must be completed by next Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is hard to make clear.

The New York Times

He confused to make clear".

The Guardian - Books

How difficult is this to make clear to an audience?

The New York Times

But what exactly did she wish to make clear?

The New Yorker

Well, one thing I want to make clear.

The Guardian

I try to make clear that I am an outsider.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ed Miliband has to make clear what those principles are.

The Guardian - Opinion

To make clear choices about what truly matters.

The New Yorker

There are things he wants to make clear.

The New York Times - Sports

"I want to make clear I didn't write those tweets.

The Guardian - Sport

In short, he has to make clear to the unions that they do not own him.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to make clear" when you want to ensure there is no ambiguity or misunderstanding regarding a particular point or issue. It is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "to make clear" is versatile, in very informal contexts, consider simpler alternatives like "to say" or "to explain" to avoid sounding overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make clear" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to introduce a statement or explanation that aims to eliminate ambiguity or emphasize a particular point. Ludwig AI and real-world examples demonstrate its use across different contexts to ensure understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Academia

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to make clear" is a grammatically correct and very common infinitive phrase used to introduce a statement designed to eliminate ambiguity or underscore a point. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its frequent use in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, remember that while versatile, it should be used judiciously in very informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. The phrase is most effective when you want to guarantee understanding and leave no room for misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to clarify

This alternative offers a more concise way to express the act of making something understandable, often implying the removal of confusion or ambiguity.

to explain

This is a broad and general alternative, suitable for a wide range of contexts where something needs to be understood.

to elucidate

This is a more formal and sophisticated alternative, suggesting a thorough and detailed explanation to remove obscurity.

to illuminate

This suggests shedding light on a topic, making it easier to see and understand, often used metaphorically.

to spell out

This implies providing a very detailed and explicit explanation, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

to set forth

A formal alternative, indicating the presentation of information in a clear and systematic manner.

to get across

An informal alternative, focusing on successfully communicating an idea or message.

to underscore

Highlights or emphasizes the importance of something, thereby making its significance clear.

to bring to light

Reveals something previously unknown or unclear, thereby making it known and understood.

to put in plain English

This emphasizes the use of simple and easily understandable language to convey a message.

FAQs

How can I use "to make clear" in a sentence?

You can use "to make clear" when introducing a point you wish to emphasize or ensure is understood. For example, "I want "to make clear" that safety is our top priority."

What are some alternatives to "to make clear"?

Alternatives include "to clarify", "to elucidate", or "to explain", depending on the level of formality and detail you wish to convey.

When is it most appropriate to use "to make clear"?

"To make clear" is suitable in situations where you need to eliminate potential confusion or highlight a crucial piece of information. It works well in professional, academic, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "to clarify" and "to make clear"?

While similar, "to clarify" often implies removing existing confusion, whereas "to make clear" can also mean presenting something in an easily understandable way from the outset. Both can often be used interchangeably.