"it was clear that" vs "it was clear to"

Question

"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

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.

Alternatives:

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

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

Examples:

It was clear to everyone that she was upset.
It was clear to me that he was lying.
It was clear to the team that changes needed to be made.
It was clear to the audience that the performance was exceptional.
It was clear to him that he had made a mistake.

Alternatives:

It was obvious to
It became clear to
It was evident to
It was apparent to

Answer 1

it was clear that

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

Answer 2

it was clear to

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

"it was clear that" vs "it was clear to"

it was clear that

it was clear to

Related Comparisons