Clear (adjective) — easy to see, hear, or understand; transparent; free from clouds, obstacles, or confusion: "The instructions were perfectly clear."
Clear (verb) — to remove something from a place; to make something free of obstacles or obstructions; to officially approve: "Please clear the table before dinner."
Clear (adverb) — completely; all the way; away from something: "Stand clear of the doors."
What Does Clear Mean?
Clear is one of the most versatile words in English. At its core it describes the absence of anything that blocks, confuses, or obscures — whether a physical obstruction, a cloud in the sky, or an unclear thought. This central idea of "nothing in the way" connects all its different uses.
As an adjective, clear can describe physical transparency ("clear glass"), meteorological conditions ("a clear sky"), or cognitive ease ("a clear explanation"). In academic and professional English, "make something clear" and "it is clear that" are among the most frequent fixed expressions in formal writing.
As a verb, clear means to remove things or make a space free. You clear a table (remove dishes), clear your throat (remove an obstruction), clear customs (pass through officially), or clear your name (remove suspicion). The verb sense combines with particles to form common phrasal verbs: clear up, clear out, clear off.
As an adverb, clear means completely or all the way, and appears in fixed expressions such as "stand clear", "steer clear of", and "clear across the room".
Etymology: From Old French cler, derived from Latin clarus meaning "bright, clear, famous". The Latin root also gives us clarify, clarity, clarinet (originally praised for its bright, clear tone), and declare. The word entered Middle English in the 13th century, initially describing brightness and sound before broadening to its modern senses of transparency and comprehensibility.
Example Sentences by Level
| Sentence | Level & Note |
|---|---|
| The water in the lake was very clear. | A2 — adjective, physical transparency |
| Can you give me a clear example of what you mean? | B1 — adjective, ease of understanding |
| A clear introduction in an essay helps the reader understand the argument immediately. | B1 — adjective, academic writing context |
| The security team cleared the building after the fire alarm was triggered. | B2 — verb, removing people from a space |
| The defendant was cleared of all charges following a detailed review of the evidence. | C1 — verb, legal/formal register; passive construction |
Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| crystal clear | The instructions were crystal clear — there was no room for confusion. |
| perfectly clear | Let me make it perfectly clear that late submissions will not be accepted. |
| abundantly clear | It has become abundantly clear that the policy needs to change. |
| make it clear | She made it clear that she was not interested in the offer. |
| clear the air | They had a meeting to clear the air after the disagreement. |
| clear your throat | He cleared his throat before beginning his speech. |
| steer clear of | You should steer clear of that area after dark. |
| a clear majority | The proposal passed with a clear majority of votes. |
| clear cut | The distinction between the two concepts is not always clear cut. |
| clear up | The misunderstanding was quickly cleared up with a brief phone call. |
Usage Notes
Key Usage Points
Register: Clear is neutral and appropriate at all levels of formality. In academic writing, prefer "it is clear that" or "clearly" over more informal phrases like "it's obvious". In formal correspondence, "to make something clear" signals direct, professional communication.
Clear vs. clearly: Use clear as the adjective ("a clear answer") and clearly as the adverb modifying a verb or adjective ("She explained it clearly", "a clearly defined rule"). The adverb clear (not clearly) is used in fixed expressions such as "stand clear", "steer clear", and "jump clear".
Phrasal verbs: Clear up = tidy or resolve ("clear up a mess / a misunderstanding"). Clear out = remove everything or leave quickly ("clear out the cupboard / clear out before the deadline"). Clear off = leave, often used informally as a command ("He was told to clear off").
British vs. American English: The pronunciation differs — British /klɪə/ (non-rhotic) vs. American /klɪr/ (rhotic). The meaning and grammar are identical in both varieties. The phrase "in the clear" (= no longer in danger or under suspicion) is common in both.
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
The teacher gaved a clear explanation of the grammar. (wrong past tense)
The teacher gave a clear explanation of the grammar.
It is clear the students they understand the task. (extra subject pronoun)
It is clear that the students understand the task.
She spoke clearly and clear about the project goals. (mixing adverb and adjective)
She spoke clearly about the project goals. (adverb modifies a verb)
Please clear the table from the dishes. (wrong preposition with clear)
Please clear the dishes from the table. (the thing removed comes first)