Is clearly formal or informal?

It is neutral. You can use it in conversation, school writing, and business writing.

What is the difference between clearly and obviously?

Clearly often means easy to understand. Obviously means something is very easy to notice or already known.

Can I use clearly in academic writing?

Yes. It is common in essays, reports, and presentations.

How do I use clearly in a sentence?

Put it before the verb or at the end: 'She clearly understood the problem.'

← Dictionary

clearly

/ˈklɪə.li/

IELTSAcademic

adverb

In a way that is easy to understand, see, or hear. It can also mean 'without doubt' or 'obviously'.

Please speak clearly.
The instructions were clearly written.
She was clearly upset.

Adinary Nuance

Clearly is often used to show that something is easy to understand or obviously true. It is close to 'obviously' and 'plainly', but 'clearly' is softer and more common in careful speech and writing. Use 'obviously' when you want stronger emphasis. Use 'clearly' when you want to sound calm, direct, and neutral.

In other languages

Vietnamese: rõ ràng
Spanish: claramente
Chinese: 清楚地
Japanese: 明確に
Korean: 분명히

Etymology

Clearly comes from clear + -ly. It has been used in English since the Middle English period, from the 14th century.

Common phrases

speak clearlywrite clearlyclearly statedclearly visible

Synonyms

obviously plainly evidently distinctly

Related words

clear clarity understandably simply

Frequently asked questions

Is clearly formal or informal?: It is neutral. You can use it in conversation, school writing, and business writing.
What is the difference between clearly and obviously?: Clearly often means easy to understand. Obviously means something is very easy to notice or already known.
Can I use clearly in academic writing?: Yes. It is common in essays, reports, and presentations.
How do I use clearly in a sentence?: Put it before the verb or at the end: 'She clearly understood the problem.'