was crystal clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was crystal clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very clear or easy to understand, often in reference to communication or instructions. Example: "The teacher's explanation of the math problem was crystal clear, making it easy for all the students to grasp the concept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

But it was crystal clear.

The New York Times - Science

My voice was crystal clear".

The New Yorker

"It was crystal clear," McCarthy says.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The artery was crystal clear.

The Washington Post

I was crystal clear on that".

Independent

Hours later, everything was crystal clear.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Nothing is crystal clear".

The New Yorker

"Everything is crystal clear.

The New York Times - Arts

They're crystal clear.

Yale University

I am crystal clear".

The Guardian - Sport

That's crystal clear.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a visual scene, "was crystal clear" can be used to convey a sense of pristine clarity. Example: "The water was crystal clear, allowing us to see the bottom of the lake."

Common error

Avoid using "was crystal clear" when describing multifaceted or nuanced situations. It can oversimplify intricate details, potentially misleading the audience. Instead, opt for more descriptive language that acknowledges complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was crystal clear" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, describing its state of being easily understood or unambiguous. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable. The examples show its use in various contexts, from describing someone's intentions to the clarity of a visual scene.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was crystal clear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that effectively communicates a high degree of clarity and understanding. According to Ludwig AI, its correctness and usability are well-established. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it also appears in Science and Formal & Business contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While alternatives like "was perfectly clear" or "was utterly obvious" exist, "was crystal clear" remains a versatile and impactful choice for emphasizing unambiguity. However, avoid overuse in overly nuanced or complex scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was perfectly clear

Emphasizes the completeness and lack of ambiguity.

was utterly obvious

Highlights the undeniable and conspicuous nature of something.

was entirely evident

Focuses on the readily apparent and demonstrable quality.

was plainly obvious

Stresses the easiness to see or understand

was easily understood

Highlights the ease with which something was comprehended.

was readily apparent

Focuses on quick and easy perception or understanding.

was unambiguously clear

Highlights the lack of any possible misinterpretation.

was distinctly defined

Emphasizes sharp and precise clarity in meaning or outline.

was manifestly obvious

Stresses the unmistakable and plain nature of something.

was patently obvious

Focuses on the self-evident and undeniable quality.

FAQs

How can I use "was crystal clear" in a sentence?

You can use "was crystal clear" to describe something that is very easy to understand or without any ambiguity. For instance, "Her explanation of the process was crystal clear."

What are some alternatives to "was crystal clear"?

Alternatives include "was perfectly clear", "was utterly obvious", or "was easily understood", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "was crystal clear" in formal writing?

Yes, "was crystal clear" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its clarity and directness make it suitable for various contexts.

What's the difference between "was crystal clear" and "was clear"?

"Was crystal clear" emphasizes a higher degree of clarity and lack of ambiguity compared to simply "was clear". It suggests something is exceptionally easy to understand. For instance, a message "was unmistakably clear".