Introduction
Hey friends! Today, I’m diving into the world of phrasal verbs, specifically focusing on those that use "clear." If you’ve ever been confused about what "clear up," "clear out," or "clear away" really mean, this article is your go-to guide. Phrasal verbs are essential in English—adding color and precision to your language—so understanding how they work will definitely boost your fluency.
Now, you might wonder: why bother with all these different "clear" phrases? Well, because each one conveys a unique nuance and context, and knowing them will help you sound natural and confident in conversations, writing, and even exams. Ready to unlock the full potential of "clear" in various expressions? Let’s jump right in and explore all the common, useful, and sometimes tricky phrasal verbs with "clear"—with meanings, examples, and practical tips to master them effortlessly.
Phrasal Verbs Using "Clear": Meanings, Sentences, and Usage Tips
Phrasal verbs can be confusing because the meaning isn’t always obvious from the individual words. When combined with "clear," they form a rich set of expressions, each with its distinct nuance. Below, I’ll break down the most common "clear" phrasal verbs, their definitions, and sample sentences to help you understand exactly how to use them.
1. Clear Up
Definition:
To clarify or resolve something; also, to become brighter or cleaner.
Meaning in context:
- To resolve confusion or misunderstandings.
- To brighten or make things cleaner.
Sentences:
- The teacher cleared up the students' doubts after class.
- The skies cleared up just in time for our picnic.
Usage tips:
- Use "clear up" when talking about resolving issues or clarifying information.
- Suitable for both literal and figurative contexts.
2. Clear Out
Definition:
To remove everything from a place; to tidy up.
Meaning in context:
- To completely empty or clean a space.
- To physically or figuratively eliminate clutter or unnecessary items.
Sentences:
- She cleared out her wardrobe to donate old clothes.
- We need to clear out the garage before the new furniture arrives.
Usage tips:
- Often used when cleaning or decluttering.
- Can also mean to remove people or objects from a place quickly.
3. Clear Away
Definition:
To remove things from a particular area.
Meaning in context:
- To clean or tidy a space by removing clutter.
- To take away items physically.
Sentences:
- Please clear away the dishes after dinner.
- They cleared away the debris after the storm.
Usage tips:
- Common in household or cleaning contexts.
- Usually refers to removing objects from a surface or room.
4. Clear Off
Definition:
To leave quickly or to remove oneself from a place.
Meaning in context:
- To politely or abruptly ask someone to leave.
- To physically clear a space.
Sentences:
- Kids, clear off the lawn now!
- He cleared off before the police arrived.
Usage tips:
- Can sound abrupt or casual depending on tone.
- Often used in informal conversations.
5. Clear With
Definition:
To obtain permission or approval from someone in authority.
Meaning in context:
- To get official permission for something.
Sentences:
- He cleared with his manager before taking the day off.
- Have you cleared this project with the legal team?
Usage tips:
- Common in formal or workplace settings.
- Usually followed by "with" and a person or organization.
6. Clear Through
Definition:
To pass through a security or customs check successfully.
Meaning in context:
- To be processed and approved by authorities.
Sentences:
- Your luggage will be cleared through customs shortly.
- It took me a while to clear through security at the airport.
Usage tips:
- Mostly used in travel or immigration contexts.
Summary Table of "Clear" Phrasal Verbs
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Up | Resolve/clarify or brighten | The weather cleared up in the afternoon. | Weather or misunderstandings |
| Clear Out | Empty or remove clutter | I cleared out my garage yesterday. | Cleaning or decluttering |
| Clear Away | Remove from a surface | Clear away the plates after dinner. | Cleaning or tidying |
| Clear Off | Leave quickly or remove oneself | They cleared off when they saw the police. | Leaving a place quickly |
| Clear With | Obtain permission | I need to clear with my boss first. | Permissions or approvals |
| Clear Through | Pass through security or customs | We've cleared through customs. | Travel, immigration |
Tips for Success with "Clear" Phrasal Verbs
- Understand context: Each phrase has specific situations where it fits best.
- Practice with real-life sentences: Mimic conversations or write your own using these phrasal verbs.
- Use visualization: Imagine a scene—like clearing out your closet or clearing the sky—to anchor meanings.
- Learn in chunks: Don’t memorize in isolation—try to learn phrases as part of sentences.
- Stay consistent: Regular use in writing and speaking will help cement these phrases naturally.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | How to Avoid | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Confusing "clear up" with "clear out" | Remember "up" = clarify, "out" = declutter | "Clear up" is about resolving; "clear out" about removing |
| Using "clear off" unnecessarily | Use in informal, casual contexts only | It can sound abrupt, so match tone accordingly |
| Mixing "clear through" with "clear with" | "Clear through" needs travel context; "clear with" is permission | Context matters, don’t swap them indiscriminately |
| Ignoring the subtle differences | Study example sentences to grasp nuance | Nuance enhances authentic use |
Variations and Related Expressions
- "Clear for": To be ready or approved for something (e.g., "The runway is clear for takeoff.")
- "Clear the way": To make space or remove obstacles, enabling progress.
- "Clear of": Free from something (e.g., "The area is clear of debris.")
- "Clear over": Less common; referring to passing over an area.
Why Using "Clear" Phrasal Verbs Matters
Using the correct "clear" phrasal verbs can significantly improve your fluency and comprehension. They make your speech and writing more vivid and natural. Plus, they help you express specific actions and ideas succinctly—making conversations more engaging and your messages clearer.
Practice Exercises to Reinforce Learning
1. Fill-in-the-blank
Fill in the blanks with the correct "clear" phrasal verb:
- After hours of investigation, the detectives finally _____ the mystery.
- Can you ____ the office before the guests arrive?
- The driver was asked to ____ the vehicle at the checkpoint.
- Please ____ your inbox; I sent you the files yesterday.
- We need to ____ the street of parked cars before the parade.
2. Error Correction
Identify and correct the mistake:
- The sky cleared in the morning, making the weather nice.
- He cleared off the bus quickly.
- She cleared out her desk with many documents.
3. Identification
Which phrasal verb fits best?
- To remove clutter from a room: ____.
- To clarify a point during a discussion: ____.
- To leave a place quickly: ____.
4. Sentence Construction
Create sentences using these phrases:
- Clear up
- Clear out
- Clear off
5. Category Matching
Match the phrasal verb with its typical context:
| Phrasal Verb | Context |
|---|---|
| Clear up | Weather, misunderstandings |
| Clear out | Decluttering, cleaning |
| Clear through | Travel, security |
| Clear off | Leaving quickly, informal speech |
Final Thoughts
Mastering phrasal verbs with "clear" can seem challenging at first, but with consistent practice and contextual understanding, they become second nature. Remember, each phrase has its place and nuance, so experiment with them in real conversations and writing.
Keep exploring different contexts, and soon you'll sound more natural and confident in your English. And always, don’t hesitate to revisit these phrases—they’re tools that will serve you well across countless situations!
Stay motivated, keep practicing, and watch your English flourish!