Okay, let's break down how to use the word "clear" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:
1. Clarity of Understanding (Most Common)
- Meaning: Easy to understand; intelligible; not confusing.
- Usage: This is the most frequent way “clear” is used.
- Examples:
- "Can you clear up that point for me?" (Explain it more clearly)
- "The instructions were very clear and easy to follow." (Easy to understand)
- "I’m not clear about what you mean." (I don't understand)
- "She gave a clear explanation of the problem." (A straightforward explanation)
2. Clean and Unobstructed (Physical)
- Meaning: Free from dirt, obstacles, or obstructions; spotless.
- Usage: Describing something physically clean.
- Examples:
- "The windows were clear after we washed them." (No dirt or smudges)
- "The sky was clear and blue." (Without clouds)
- "He swept the floor to make it clear." (Without clutter)
- "The path was clear for travel." (Free of obstacles)
3. Transparent (Physical - Materials)
- Meaning: Allowing light to pass through; not opaque.
- Usage: Describing the quality of a material.
- Examples:
- “The glass was clear.” (You can see through it)
- “She wore a clear plastic raincoat.” (It allows light through)
4. Resolved or Settled (Legal/Situational)
- Meaning: Finished; settled; concluded; decided. Often used to describe a legal or dispute situation.
- Usage: Expressing that something is finalized.
- Examples:
- “The case was cleared by the judge.” (Resolved legally)
- "After a lengthy discussion, the issues were cleared up." (The problems were resolved)
5. Distinct and Obvious
- Meaning: Noticeable; apparent; easily recognizable.
- Usage: Describing something that stands out.
- Examples:
- “His anger was clear in his voice.” (Obvious)
- "The evidence was clear; he was guilty." (Apparent)
6. “Clear” as a Verb (To Make Clear)
- Meaning: To explain something in a way that is easy to understand; to eliminate ambiguity.
- Usage: Acting as an action word.
- Examples:
- “Please clear up the confusion.” (Explain it)
- “Could you clear this up for me?” (Explain it)
7. “Clear” as an Adjective (For Sounds)
- Meaning: Audible; easily heard.
- Usage: Describing sound quality.
- Examples:
- “The music was clear and crisp.” (You can hear it well)
- "I couldn't hear the speaker because the sound was clear."
Helpful Tips for Using "Clear":
- Context is Key: The meaning of "clear" changes dramatically depending on the sentence.
- Synonyms: Consider using synonyms to avoid repetition, such as: understandable, obvious, spotless, transparent, resolved, distinct.
To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:
- What kind of context are you trying to use "clear" in? (e.g., a conversation, writing an essay, describing an object)
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