Guide 120 / 200 5 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “clear”
Five adjectives for "clear" with specific shades.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Clear" is overused and flat. "Evident" is visible on inspection; "apparent" allows doubt; "explicit" is stated plainly; "unambiguous" rules out interpretation; "transparent" emphasises openness.
ii · The swaps5 ways
- 01Evident neutral
visible on inspection
The trend is evident in the data.
- 02Apparent neutral
seems clear, but check
It’s apparent that usage has shifted.
- 03Explicit neutral
stated plainly, nothing left to read in
Be explicit about the deadline.
- 04Unambiguous formal
rules out other readings
An unambiguous clause on termination.
- 05Transparent neutral
openly visible to others
A transparent decision process.