wholly clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wholly clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is completely understandable or free from ambiguity. Example: "The instructions provided were wholly clear, leaving no room for confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"I am not wholly clear when they began," he said.

The Guardian

It was not yet wholly clear what had taken place.

The New Yorker

Exactly where bike messengers fit in this typology isn't wholly clear.

The Economist

For reasons not wholly clear, Lady Mary's relationship with her husband was by this time merely formal and impersonal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Newbies shouldn't expect a wholly clear resolution, but watching the way Potter weaves together his themes is far more rewarding.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He went back as a civilian in December 2010 for reasons that weren't wholly clear to him at the time he resolved to do it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The natural vegetation of deciduous forest and steppe has been almost wholly cleared for agriculture since intensive settlement began in the 17th century and now survives only as occasional oak groves along the rivers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But what has incensed residents, many of whom come originally from Liverpool, is the unrepentance of Ingham for calling Liverpool fans who died that day as a "tanked-up mob", despite the publication in September of an independent panel report wholly clearing fans of any wrongdoing.

The Guardian

Residents are wholly clear-eyed and discontented about its negatives.

Los Angeles Times

It seems probable that MIF expression in melanoma cells has an impact upon their proliferative capacity in vivo but whether the MIF gene expression detected in clinical samples is wholly tumour derived is not entirely clear.

BMC Cancer

If the covers are someone else's doing, then when new plates arrive later, you have a chance to consider whether to put them back on, or leave the plates wholly visible clear to their light-reflecting edges.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wholly clear" to emphasize that something is not just understandable, but completely free from any ambiguity or doubt. It adds a degree of certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "wholly clear" in very informal conversations or casual writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "totally clear" or "completely clear" which sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wholly clear" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun or clause to emphasize the completeness and absence of ambiguity in the clarity being described. Ludwig's AI highlights the phrase's correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wholly clear" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to convey a sense of complete and unambiguous clarity. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and shows its usage across diverse sources, its slightly formal tone suggests it's best suited for professional or academic contexts rather than casual conversation. Alternatives like "completely clear" or "entirely clear" can offer similar meanings with a slightly less formal feel. When choosing "wholly clear", aim for situations where emphasizing absolute certainty is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely clear

Replaces "wholly" with "entirely", offering a direct synonym with minimal change in meaning.

completely clear

Substitutes "wholly" with "completely", providing an interchangeable option with a slightly more common usage.

perfectly clear

Uses "perfectly" instead of "wholly", emphasizing the lack of any ambiguity.

unambiguously clear

Adds "unambiguously" to reinforce the idea that there is no doubt or confusion.

absolutely clear

Replaces "wholly" with "absolutely", intensifying the sense of certainty and clarity.

unequivocally clear

Employs "unequivocally" to highlight the absence of any possible misinterpretation.

patently obvious

Shifts from "clear" to "obvious", suggesting something is easily and readily apparent.

plainly evident

Similar to "patently obvious", this highlights ease of perception and understanding.

fully understood

Focuses on the state of comprehension rather than the inherent clarity of something.

crystal clear

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate exceptional clarity and ease of understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "wholly clear" to describe something that is completely free from ambiguity or misunderstanding. For example, "The instructions were "wholly clear", leaving no room for error".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "wholly clear"?

Alternatives to "wholly clear" include "entirely clear", "completely clear", or "perfectly clear". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "wholly clear" more formal than "completely clear"?

Yes, "wholly clear" tends to be slightly more formal than "completely clear". While both are acceptable, "wholly clear" might be more appropriate in formal writing or professional settings.

When should I avoid using "wholly clear"?

Avoid using "wholly clear" in very informal contexts where it might sound overly stilted or unnatural. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "totally clear" are often preferable.