was cleared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was cleared" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something has been removed, resolved, or made clear, often referring to information or obstacles. Example: "The confusion regarding the project deadlines was cleared after the meeting with the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Office space was cleared.

The New Yorker

Tim was cleared to play.

The New York Times

He was cleared posthumously.

The Guardian

Rubble was cleared.

The Washington Post

"Yes, Shamir was cleared.

The New York Times

The stairwell was cleared.

The New York Times

Burley was cleared.

The Guardian - Business

"The air was cleared".

The New York Times

A third was cleared.

The New York Times

Three months later he was cleared.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A space is cleared.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was cleared" when you want to indicate that someone or something has been freed from blame, suspicion, or obstacles. Ensure the context makes it clear what was cleared and from what.

Common error

Avoid using "was cleared" when the active voice is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The detective was cleared by the investigation," consider "The investigation cleared the detective."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was cleared" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject received the action of being cleared. Ludwig examples show this in contexts of exoneration, obstacle removal, and permission granting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was cleared" functions as a passive verb construction used to indicate that someone or something has been freed from blame, suspicion, or obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While it maintains a neutral register, formality can vary depending on the source. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what was cleared and from what. Consider alternatives like "was exonerated" or "was acquitted" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was exonerated

Suggests a removal of blame or responsibility, often after an investigation or accusation. Similar to "was cleared" but emphasizes innocence.

was vindicated

Means to be cleared of blame or suspicion, with an added sense of being proven right or justified. Emphasizes justification.

was acquitted

Indicates a formal declaration of not guilty, often in a legal context. This is a more specific term than "was cleared".

was absolved

Implies forgiveness or release from guilt or obligation. This carries a stronger connotation of moral or ethical implications.

was discharged

Can refer to being released from duty or responsibility, or to the removal of a debt. This is context-dependent.

was freed

Indicates a release from confinement or obligation. Highlights the state of being free.

was unlocked

Suggests a release of blockage or obstacles. Implies removing an obstruction.

was sanitized

Suggests the removal of objectionable or inaccurate content to make something acceptable. Focuses on the removal of something considered negative.

was approved

Suggests that something has met the required standards and has been officially accepted. Like "was authorized", implies permission.

was authorized

Implies that permission has been granted for something to proceed. Changes the meaning to give a permission.

FAQs

How is "was cleared" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "was cleared" often means someone was found not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing, similar to "was acquitted" or "was exonerated".

What's the difference between "was cleared" and "was resolved"?

"Was cleared" typically implies the removal of blame, suspicion, or obstacles, whereas "was resolved" suggests a problem or issue has been settled or fixed. They are not interchangeable in every situation; for example, a misunderstanding can be "was explained".

Can "was cleared" be used for non-physical things?

Yes, "was cleared" can be used metaphorically for non-physical things like a misunderstanding, a doubt, or a bureaucratic hurdle. An issue "was explained" is an example of such use.

What are some alternatives to "was cleared" that maintain a formal tone?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "was exonerated", "was vindicated", or "was absolved" can maintain a formal tone while conveying a similar meaning.