were cleared for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'were cleared for' is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically means that someone or something was granted permission or authorization to do something. For example: "The flight attendants were cleared for takeoff once the safety checks were complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Streets were cleared for blocks around.

The New York Times

Forests were cleared for mining, charcoal, shipbuilding and caulking.

Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology

After immunohistochemical staining, sections were cleared for further microscopic investigations.

Nature

Mr. Gismondi said they were cleared for that.

The New York Times

Five of the men currently held in the prison were cleared for release during Obama's tenure.

The Washington Post

At one time many of Vermont's hilltops were cleared for pastures and open fields.

Britannica

As cemeteries were cleared for development, the well-to-do realized that nothing was secure.

The New York Times

In the 20th century, the vast majority of forested lands along the Magdalena were cleared for grazing and agriculture.

Princeton University

The bottles and the bulk powder that made it through the inspetion were cleared for release.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Nor has he been cleared for contact.

The New York Times - Sports

Five years later, he was cleared for release.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were cleared for", ensure the subject clearly indicates who or what received the permission or authorization. For example, "The vehicles were cleared for entry" specifies that the vehicles received clearance.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "were cleared for" implies complete and unconditional approval. Always specify any limitations or conditions associated with the clearance. For example, "The building plans were cleared for construction, pending final environmental review".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were cleared for" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject has received authorization or permission to proceed with a specific action or purpose. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were cleared for" signifies that permission or authorization has been granted for a particular action or purpose. As stated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across a spectrum of contexts, including news reports, scientific articles, and general encyclopedic entries. The phrase is typically employed in a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse audiences. When using "were cleared for", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and that any conditions or limitations related to the clearance are explicitly stated. Furthermore, be mindful of differentiating its meaning from similar phrases like "were prepared for", which implies readiness rather than permission.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received authorization for

Indicates formal permission was granted; emphasizes the act of receiving approval.

were authorized to

Focuses on the permission granted, highlighting the ability to act.

gained approval for

Emphasizes the process of obtaining consent or validation.

were given the go-ahead for

Informal expression for receiving permission to proceed.

were approved for use in

Specifies that something has been formally approved for a particular application.

were sanctioned for

Implies official endorsement or approval, often by an authority.

were given leave to

Formal way of expressing permission to do something.

were deemed acceptable for

Focuses on the judgment that something meets the required standards.

were prepared for

Indicates readiness or arrangement for a future event or action.

were made ready for

Similar to 'were prepared for', but stresses the action of making something ready.

FAQs

How can I use "were cleared for" in a sentence?

You can use "were cleared for" to indicate that permission or approval has been granted. For example, "The athletes "were cleared for" competition after passing the drug test".

What are some alternatives to saying "were cleared for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "were authorized to", "gained approval for", or "were given the go-ahead for", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was cleared for" instead of "were cleared for"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "was cleared for" with a singular subject (e.g., "The project was cleared for launch"), and "were cleared for" with a plural subject (e.g., "The projects "were cleared for" launch").

What's the difference between "were cleared for" and "were prepared for"?

"Were cleared for" implies permission or authorization, while "were prepared for" indicates readiness or arrangement. For example, "The soldiers "were cleared for" deployment" (permission), versus "The soldiers "were prepared for" deployment" (readiness).