were clear

USAGE SUMMARY

"were clear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in the past perfect tense, which is used to describe an action that happened before another action in the past. For example: "By the time we left the room, our instructions were clear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The reasons were clear.

The New Yorker

The basics were clear.

The New Yorker

Her lungs were clear.

The New York Times

His eyes were clear.

The New Yorker

Some priorities were clear.

The New York Times

The results were clear.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Four percent were cleared.

Los Angeles Times

My conclusion is clear.

The New York Times

His ambivalence was clear.

The New Yorker

The lesson is clear.

The New York Times

Coast is clear.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were clear" to express that something was easily understood or not ambiguous. For a stronger emphasis, consider using "were crystal clear".

Common error

Ensure the subject is plural when using "were clear". A common mistake is to use it with a singular subject; instead, use "was clear".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were clear" functions as a predicate adjective, linking a plural subject to the adjective "clear". It describes a state of being easily understood or free from ambiguity. According to Ludwig AI, this is a grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were clear" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express that something was easily understood or unambiguous. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with its straightforward nature making it suitable for various registers. When writing, ensure subject-verb agreement and consider stronger alternatives like "were crystal clear" for added emphasis. Keep in mind that Ludwig offers alternatives such as "were evident", "were obvious", or "were apparent", all of which have varying nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were crystal clear

Uses stronger vocabulary to indicate zero ambiguity.

were evident

Emphasizes the obvious nature of something.

were obvious

Highlights the lack of ambiguity.

were apparent

Stresses the visibility or recognizability of something.

were plain

Indicates simplicity and lack of complexity.

were distinct

Focuses on the sharpness and definition.

were well-defined

Highlights the clarity of boundaries or characteristics.

were transparent

Implies openness and lack of hidden agendas.

were beyond doubt

Emphasizes the certainty and irrefutability of something.

were easily understood

Emphasizes comprehensibility.

FAQs

How can I use "were clear" in a sentence?

Use "were clear" to indicate that something was easily understood or evident, such as "The instructions "were clear"".

What is a synonym for "were clear"?

Synonyms include "were evident", "were obvious", or "were apparent". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was clear" instead of "were clear"?

Yes, but "was clear" is used with singular subjects, while "were clear" is used with plural subjects. For example, "The message was clear", but "The messages "were clear"".

What's the difference between "were clear" and "were explicit"?

"Were clear" implies that something was easy to understand. "Were explicit" suggests that something was stated directly and in detail, leaving no room for interpretation. Therefore, both can be interchangeable. Example: "The rules "were clear"" or "The rules were explicit".