it was clear that vs it was clear to

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'It was clear that' is used to introduce a statement or fact that is evident or obvious, while 'It was clear to' is used to indicate who understood something clearly. They are not interchangeable.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1267 views

it was clear that

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to introduce a statement or fact that is evident or obvious.

This phrase is used to introduce a statement or fact that is evident or obvious. It is followed by the information that is clear or obvious.

Examples:

It was clear that she was not happy with the decision.
It was clear that the project would require more time to complete.
It was clear that he had no intention of apologizing.
It was clear that the plan was not going to work.
It was clear that they were lost in the forest.

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Without any type of coordination or further studying, it was clear that drinking water, sanitation, shelter, food aid and medical supplies would be needed.
Moreover, it was clear that against the background of developments, in this situation the Heads of State and Government cannot meet without discussing Kosovo.
Yet it was clear that they had to be addressed.
For three companies, it was clear that the footwear production at the company had been set up since July 2005.
In the present case, it was clear that the notice of initiation did not intend to cover synthetic ethanol in the product definition.
At the time it was clear that the fluctuation of the ISK would render all of Síminn's preconditions for entering into the agreement void.
When we did the analysis of this bone, it was clear that it looked very chimp-like, chimpanzee-like.
When the telegraph came along, it was clear that it was going to globalize the news industry.
And over the next two or three days, it was clear that she was never going to wake up.
Even before the crisis, it was clear that citizens and governments alike regarded (wrongly) the euro as a mere practicality.
When they found Alison's body, it was clear that she had been murdered, and there were no suspects.
First, it was clear that DHL had invested massively in the logistics centre and wanted it to become operational.
After all, it was clear that negotiations between the unions and the Federation of European Employers were doomed to failure when one side categorically refused any revision.
I left your Dad because it was clear that we'd fallen out of love.
I moved with purpose and yet it was clear that my mind was not in control.
Following the recognition of East Timor's independence, it was clear that the situation was not about to take a turn for the better.
In our last national meeting, it was clear that a new politics is emerging.
In my vision, it was clear that Jericho had done some things That threatened our national security.
For one of the exporting producers it was clear that the company had not classified the product concerned correctly when using the system as required by the questionnaire.
Although the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia had jurisdiction over Kosovo, it was clear that it would only be able to try a very limited number of cases.

Alternatives:

It was obvious that
It became clear that
It was evident that
It was apparent that

it was clear to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate who understood something clearly.

This phrase is used to indicate who understood something clearly. It is followed by the person or group to whom something was clear.