Meaning
Used to state that something is obvious or easily perceived.
Primary Function
Epistemic stance – obviousness / evaluation
Communicative Purpose
To indicate that a conclusion is self-evident.
Pattern
clearly
Core Structure
clearly
Função primária
Epistemic stance – obviousness / evaluation
Propósito comunicativo
To indicate that a conclusion is self-evident.
Situações de gatilho
Pointing out an obvious fact or logical conclusion; can sound condescending if overused.
Contextos
Discussions, essays, instructions.
Padrão
clearly
Estrutura central
clearly
Slots de substituição
none
Colocados típicos
- clearly evident
- clearly state
- clearly see
Substituições comuns
- obviously
- evidently
- plainly
Erros comuns
Using “clearly” to mask weak reasoning; overuse makes writer sound bossy.
Similar / contraste
obviously (more spoken, can be sarcastic), apparently (surface appearance, not always true), patently (formal)
Interferências
In some languages the equivalent word is used far more frequently; in English it can become overbearing.
Família do chunk
- Obviousness adverbs
Nuance
“Clearly” often implies the listener should have already understood.
Efeito pragmático
Adds authorial certainty, but can also patronise if directed at the reader (“Clearly, you don’t understand”).
Dica de memória
Clearly, … – as anyone can see
Nota
Used to emphasize the obviousness of a statement or conclusion.
Upgrade path
Clearly → It is evident that → As is clear from → Patently
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