Learn how to use the comparative “clearer” and superlative “clearest” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “clear”?

The comparative form of “clear” is “clearer”.

Example

The new glasses make the text clearer to read.

Example

Her explanation was clearer than his.

What is the superlative form of “clear”?

The superlative form of “clear” is “clearest”.

Example

Out of all the options, this one is the clearest choice.

Example

His instructions were the clearest I've ever received.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with clear, clearer, and clearest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more clear' and 'most clear' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, clearer and clearest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Clear does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: ClearClearer Superlative: ClearClearest

Expressions with similar meanings to “clearer”

Used to describe something that is easier to see through or understand

Example

The water in the lake became more transparent as it cleared up.

Used to indicate something that is easier to perceive or distinguish

Example

The outline of the mountain became more distinct as the fog lifted.

Used to describe something that is more obvious or apparent

Example

The truth became more evident as the evidence was presented.

Expressions with similar meanings to “clearest”

Similar to clearest, this emphasizes something that is extremely easy to see through or understand

Example

The glass in the windowpane was most transparent, allowing a clear view outside.

Used to describe the highest level of clarity or perceptibility

Example

The image on the high-definition screen was most distinct, showing every detail.

Used to indicate the highest level of obviousness or apparentness

Example

The impact of climate change is most evident in the melting polar ice caps.

Using than with comparative “clearer”

When using the comparative form clearer to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "Her explanation was clearer than his." Here, than is used to show that the clarity of 'her' explanation is greater than the clarity of his explanation.

How can I use this expression in context?

“clearer” and “clearest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Vision

    The new glasses make the text clearer to read.

    The new glasses make the text clearer to read.

  • 2Communication

    Her explanation was clearer than his.

    Her explanation was clearer than his.

  • 3Weather

    The sky became clearer as the storm passed.

    The sky became clearer as the storm passed.

  • 4Instructions

    His directions were clearest when he used visual aids.

    His directions were clearest when he used visual aids.

  • 5Choices

    Out of all the options, this one is the clearest choice.

    Out of all the options, this one is the clearest choice.

Related idioms and phrases

Crystal clear

Extremely clear or easy to understand.

Example

The instructions were crystal clear, leaving no room for confusion.

In the clear

To be free from danger, suspicion, or obstacles.

Example

After the investigation, he was declared in the clear and allowed to go home.

Clear as mud

Used sarcastically to describe something that is confusing or unclear.

Example

His explanation was clear as mud, and no one understood what he meant.

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