This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 verb #10 most common 9 min read

cleared

Top 10

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips cleared in 30 Seconds

Explanation cleared in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'cleared' is mostly used for simple physical actions. It means to take things away from a place to make it empty or tidy. For example, 'I cleared the table' means I took the plates and cups away after eating. It is a word about cleaning and making space. You might also hear it about the weather, like 'The rain stopped and the sky cleared,' which means the sun came out. It is a very helpful word for talking about your daily chores at home or describing the weather during your day. It is easy to remember because it sounds like the word 'clear,' which means easy to see through or clean.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'cleared' for more than just cleaning. You might use it to describe moving things out of the way, like 'We cleared the snow from the driveway.' It also begins to appear in contexts of permission, though in a simple way. For example, 'The doctor cleared me to play football again.' This means the doctor said it is okay and safe. You also learn that 'cleared' can mean passing over something, like 'The cat cleared the fence in one jump.' This level focuses on the physical movement and the basic idea of getting a 'yes' from someone in charge.

At the B1 level, 'cleared' becomes a key word for professional and specific situations. You will use it to talk about money, such as 'The check cleared,' meaning the bank finished the transfer. You will also use it in more formal permission settings, like 'The plane was cleared for takeoff.' This is the level where you learn the important legal meaning: 'He was cleared of all charges,' which means the police or court found he did nothing wrong. You understand that 'cleared' implies a process has finished successfully, whether it is a bank process, a legal process, or a safety check.

At the B2 level, you use 'cleared' with more nuance and in more complex sentence structures. You might use it metaphorically, such as 'The new evidence cleared up the confusion,' or 'She cleared her mind by going for a run.' You are comfortable using it in the passive voice ('The area has been cleared by security') and understand the difference between 'clearing' a debt and 'clearing' a check. You also recognize it in business contexts, like 'The company cleared a huge profit this year,' where it means net gain. You can use it to describe overcoming abstract obstacles, like clearing a bureaucratic hurdle.

At the C1 level, you use 'cleared' with precision in specialized fields. In a medical context, you might discuss a patient being 'cleared' for a complex surgery. In finance, you understand 'clearing houses' and the systemic importance of transactions being 'cleared.' You use the word to describe subtle changes in atmosphere or social dynamics, such as 'The tension in the room cleared once he apologized.' You are aware of the stylistic weight of the word, using it to denote the definitive resolution of a problem or the absolute removal of a doubt. Your vocabulary includes idiomatic uses like 'cleared for action' or 'cleared the air.'

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'cleared' and its many shades of meaning. You can use it to describe the sophisticated removal of obstacles in high-level negotiations or the technical exoneration in complex international law. You appreciate the etymological roots and how they influence its modern usage. You might use it in literary contexts to describe a character's epiphany or a sudden moment of existential clarity. You understand the subtle difference between 'cleared' and its synonyms like 'exculpated' or 'liquidated' in financial contexts. For you, 'cleared' is a tool for expressing absolute resolution and the opening of new possibilities.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

cleared in 30 Seconds

Cleared means removing things to make space or getting official permission to move forward with a plan.
It is used when a bank finishes a transaction or when someone is found innocent of a crime.
The word describes the sky becoming sunny after rain or an athlete jumping over a high bar.
In business, it refers to the net profit made after all costs and taxes are paid.

The word cleared is a versatile past-tense verb and past participle that fundamentally describes the transition from a state of being blocked, occupied, or uncertain to a state of being open, authorized, or resolved. In its most literal sense, it refers to the physical removal of objects. When you have finished a meal, the table is cleared of dishes. This physical clearing creates space and readiness for the next activity. However, the utility of 'cleared' extends far beyond the physical realm into legal, financial, and professional contexts.

Physical Space: To remove obstructions from a path or area. For example, after a heavy storm, workers cleared the fallen trees from the main highway to allow traffic to flow again.
Authorization: To receive official permission to proceed. In aviation, a pilot is cleared for takeoff only when the runway and airspace are safe and the tower grants consent.
Exoneration: To be found innocent of a crime or accusation. If DNA evidence proves a suspect was elsewhere, they are cleared of all charges, restoring their reputation.

After the investigation, the detective confirmed that the suspect had been cleared of any involvement in the robbery.

In financial terms, 'cleared' is a critical technical word. When you deposit a check, the money isn't immediately available; it must be cleared by the bank, meaning the funds have been successfully transferred from the payer's account to yours. Similarly, in business, a company might say they cleared a certain amount of profit, meaning that was the net gain after all expenses were subtracted. This sense of 'clearing' suggests a finality and a settling of accounts.

Metaphorically, we use 'cleared' to describe mental states. If you were confused about a math problem but finally understood it, you might say your mind has cleared. This usage aligns with weather patterns; when the clouds move away, we say the sky has cleared. In both cases, the 'obstruction' (clouds or confusion) is gone, leaving behind clarity and light. This transition from 'blocked' to 'open' is the core DNA of the word.

The sky cleared just in time for the outdoor wedding ceremony to begin.

Medical Context: A doctor might say a patient is cleared for exercise, meaning the health risks have been assessed and the patient is fit to resume physical activity.

Using cleared correctly requires understanding its role as either a transitive verb (taking an object) or an intransitive verb (not taking an object). When used transitively, you are doing the clearing to something. For instance, 'The waiter cleared the table.' Here, the waiter is the agent, and the table is the object being acted upon. This structure is common in everyday chores and organizational tasks.

She cleared her desk before leaving for the long weekend.

The Passive Voice: In professional and legal settings, 'cleared' is frequently found in the passive voice. 'The suspect was cleared.' This focuses on the state of the person rather than who did the clearing. It emphasizes the outcome of an investigation or a process.

When 'cleared' is used intransitively, it often refers to natural phenomena or internal states. 'The weather cleared.' No one specifically 'cleared' the weather; it happened as a natural progression. This usage is vital for describing transitions in environment or mood. If someone is angry and then calms down, you might say their expression cleared as they realized the truth.

His confusion cleared once the instructions were explained in his native language.

Another sophisticated use of 'cleared' involves movement over or past an obstacle. In sports, an athlete cleared the bar in a high jump. This means they passed over it without touching or knocking it down. This can be used metaphorically in business: 'The company cleared the final regulatory hurdle.' This implies a successful navigation of a difficult requirement.

Financial Transit: 'The check cleared this morning.' This is an intransitive use where the check is the subject completing its own processing cycle.

The athlete cleared the 2-meter mark with ease, setting a new record.

You will encounter cleared in several distinct environments, each with its own specific nuance. In the world of aviation and transport, it is perhaps the most critical word. Pilots and air traffic controllers use it constantly. 'Cleared for takeoff,' 'cleared to land,' and 'cleared for the approach' are standard phrases that ensure safety by confirming that a path is empty and permission is granted. If you are a passenger, you might hear the pilot announce that they have been cleared for a higher altitude.

The Courtroom: In legal dramas or news reports, 'cleared' is the word of choice for a happy ending for a defendant. 'The jury cleared him of all charges' or 'He was cleared by the appellate court.' It carries a weight of finality and the restoration of one's legal standing.

The pilot radioed the tower: 'Requesting permission to taxi.' The tower replied: 'You are cleared to taxi to runway 09.'

In banking and finance, 'cleared' is a term you'll see on your mobile banking app or hear from a bank teller. When a transaction is 'pending,' it hasn't cleared yet. Once the bank verifies the funds, the status changes to 'cleared.' This is vital for managing personal finances, as it tells you when money is truly yours to spend. You might also hear it in a corporate earnings call: 'After taxes, the firm cleared five million dollars in the third quarter.'

In daily conversation, 'cleared' is often used regarding schedules or spaces. 'I've cleared my afternoon for our meeting' means the person has removed all other appointments to make time for you. 'We cleared out the garage' means a massive cleaning effort took place. In these contexts, 'cleared' implies effort and the creation of opportunity. It is a word of productivity and resolution.

I checked my bank account this morning and saw that the rent check has finally cleared.

One of the most frequent errors with cleared involves the misuse of prepositions. Many learners mistakenly say 'cleared from charges' instead of the correct 'cleared of charges.' The preposition 'of' is specifically used to denote the thing from which someone is being freed or exonerated. Using 'from' is a direct translation error from many other languages but sounds unnatural in English.

Confusing 'Cleared' with 'Cleaned': While related, they are not interchangeable. To 'clean' a table means to wipe it with soap and water. To 'clear' a table means to remove the dishes. If you say 'I cleaned the table,' people think you sanitized it. If you say 'I cleared the table,' they know the dishes are gone.

Incorrect: He was cleared from the crime.
Correct: He was cleared of the crime.

Another mistake is using 'cleared' when 'finished' or 'completed' is more appropriate. For example, you don't 'clear' a book; you 'finish' it. 'Cleared' implies removing an obstacle or gaining permission. You only 'clear' a book if you are removing it from a shelf. Similarly, in a digital context, you 'clear' your browser history (delete it), but you 'complete' a level in a video game (unless you are jumping over an obstacle, in which case you 'cleared' the jump).

Lastly, be careful with the phrase 'clear up' versus 'cleared.' 'Clear up' is a phrasal verb often used for resolving a misunderstanding or a skin condition. 'The situation cleared up' is similar to 'the situation cleared,' but 'clear up' often implies a more active process of explanation or healing. 'Cleared' as a standalone past participle often describes the final state of authorization or emptiness.

Don't say: 'I cleared my homework.'
Say: 'I finished my homework.'

Depending on the context, several words can replace cleared, but each carries a slightly different flavor. If you are talking about being found innocent, exonerated is a more formal and powerful alternative. While 'cleared' is common in news, 'exonerated' is common in legal documents and implies a total restoration of honor. Acquitted is another legal term, but it specifically means found 'not guilty' by a jury, whereas 'cleared' can happen even before a trial starts.

Cleared vs. Authorized: 'Authorized' is more general. You are authorized to enter a building. 'Cleared' is more specific to a process. You are 'cleared' for entry after a background check. 'Cleared' implies a hurdle was passed.
Cleared vs. Emptied: To 'empty' a room means to take everything out. To 'clear' a room can mean the same, but it often implies removing things that shouldn't be there. You 'clear' a room of people for safety, but you 'empty' a trash can.

The scientist was exonerated after the real culprit confessed to stealing the data.

In terms of physical movement, surmounted or passed are alternatives. If an athlete 'cleared' a hurdle, they also 'surmounted' it. However, 'cleared' is much more common in sports. In financial contexts, processed or settled are synonyms for a check clearing. 'The payment has settled' is a more formal way of saying 'the check has cleared.' Using 'settled' is common in high-level accounting and banking.

Finally, for mental clarity, resolved or clarified are excellent substitutes. 'The misunderstanding was cleared' is good, but 'The misunderstanding was resolved' sounds more professional. 'He clarified his position' is more active than 'His position was cleared.' Choosing the right synonym depends on whether you want to emphasize the process (clarified), the result (resolved), or the removal of the problem (cleared).

Once the bank processed the transaction, the funds were available for withdrawal.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In the 14th century, to 'clear' someone meant to 'brighten' their reputation, which is exactly how we use 'cleared of charges' today!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /klɪəd/

US /klɪrd/

The word is a single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rhymes With

Bearded Feared Geared Heared Reared Sheared Steered Veered

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as two syllables (clee-erd).
Confusing the 'ea' sound with 'eh' (clerd).
Forgetting the final 'd' sound.
Adding an extra vowel sound between 'l' and 'ea'.
Pronouncing the 'c' as an 's' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, though financial and legal nuances require more attention.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of specific prepositions like 'of' and 'for'.

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used in daily life; pronunciation is straightforward.

Listening 2/5

Easily understood, though it can be confused with 'cleaned' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Clear Clean Open Empty Pass

Learn Next

Exonerate Authorize Clarify Liquidate Acquit

Advanced

Exculpate Absolve Translucent Obviate Manifest

Grammar to Know

Passive Voice with 'Cleared'

The area was cleared (by the police).

Prepositional Collocation 'Cleared of'

She was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Prepositional Collocation 'Cleared for'

The patient was cleared for surgery.

Intransitive Usage for Weather

The storm cleared.

Transitive Usage for Chores

I cleared the dishes.

Examples by Level

I cleared the table after dinner.

J'ai débarrassé la table après le dîner.

Past simple of 'clear'.

The sky cleared and the sun came out.

Le ciel s'est éclairci et le soleil est apparu.

Intransitive use describing weather.

She cleared her desk at school.

Elle a vidé son bureau à l'école.

Subject + verb + object.

We cleared the toys from the floor.

Nous avons ramassé les jouets sur le sol.

Cleared [object] from [place].

The path is cleared for walking.

Le chemin est dégagé pour la marche.

Passive voice (is cleared).

He cleared a space on the shelf.

Il a fait de la place sur l'étagère.

Transitive verb.

The rain cleared away quickly.

La pluie s'est dissipée rapidement.

Phrasal usage with 'away'.

I cleared my throat to speak.

Je me suis raclé la gorge pour parler.

Common idiom/physical action.

The doctor cleared him to play sports.

Le médecin l'a autorisé à faire du sport.

Cleared [someone] to [verb].

The cat cleared the fence easily.

Le chat a sauté par-dessus la clôture facilement.

Meaning 'to jump over'.

They cleared the snow from the road.

Ils ont déneigé la route.

Action of removing an obstruction.

I cleared my schedule for the party.

J'ai libéré mon emploi du temps pour la fête.

Metaphorical clearing of time.

The fog cleared by noon.

Le brouillard s'est levé à midi.

Intransitive weather use.

She cleared the dishes into the sink.

Elle a mis la vaisselle dans l'évier.

Directional preposition 'into'.

The police cleared the street for the parade.

La police a dégagé la rue pour le défilé.

Cleared [place] for [event].

He cleared the level in the game.

Il a terminé le niveau dans le jeu.

Informal gaming context.

The check cleared after three days.

Le chèque a été encaissé après trois jours.

Financial terminology.

The pilot was cleared for takeoff.

Le pilote a reçu l'autorisation de décoller.

Passive voice with 'for'.

He was cleared of all charges by the judge.

Il a été blanchi de toutes les accusations par le juge.

Cleared OF [something negative].

The company cleared a profit this quarter.

L'entreprise a réalisé un bénéfice ce trimestre.

Meaning 'to earn net'.

I cleared the air with my friend after our fight.

J'ai dissipé les malentendus avec mon ami après notre dispute.

Idiom: 'clear the air'.

The land was cleared for the new building.

Le terrain a été dégagé pour le nouveau bâtiment.

Passive voice.

She cleared the 1.5-meter bar in the high jump.

Elle a franchi la barre de 1,5 mètre au saut en hauteur.

Sports context.

The virus was cleared from his system.

Le virus a été éliminé de son organisme.

Medical/Biological context.

The customs officer cleared the shipment.

L'officier des douanes a dédouané l'expédition.

Official authorization.

The mystery was cleared up by the new evidence.

Le mystère a été résolu par les nouvelles preuves.

Phrasal verb 'clear up'.

He cleared his name after the scandal.

Il a réhabilité son nom après le scandale.

Collocation: 'clear one's name'.

The plane cleared the mountain peak by only 50 feet.

L'avion a franchi le sommet de la montagne de seulement 50 pieds.

Precise physical measurement.

The smoke cleared, revealing the damage.

La fumée s'est dissipée, révélant les dégâts.

Dramatic narrative use.

She cleared the final interview and got the job.

Elle a passé le dernier entretien et a obtenu le poste.

Meaning 'to pass successfully'.

The funds have finally cleared in my account.

Les fonds ont enfin été crédités sur mon compte.

Intransitive financial use.

The road was cleared of debris after the crash.

La route a été débarrassée des débris après l'accident.

Passive + 'of'.

The suspect was cleared of all suspicion following the alibi.

Le suspect a été lavé de tout soupçon suite à son alibi.

Formal legal phrasing.

The project cleared the initial feasibility study.

Le projet a passé avec succès l'étude de faisabilité initiale.

Business/Technical context.

He cleared the hurdle of government bureaucracy.

Il a surmonté l'obstacle de la bureaucratie gouvernementale.

Metaphorical hurdle.

The medication cleared the infection within days.

Le médicament a éliminé l'infection en quelques jours.

Active medical use.

The sky cleared, offering a panoramic view of the valley.

Le ciel s'est dégagé, offrant une vue panoramique sur la vallée.

Descriptive literary style.

The bank cleared the large international transfer.

La banque a validé le gros transfert international.

Specific banking action.

She cleared her throat, a signal that she was about to disagree.

Elle s'est raclé la gorge, signe qu'elle allait exprimer son désaccord.

Nuanced behavioral description.

The forest was cleared to make way for agriculture.

La forêt a été défrichée pour faire place à l'agriculture.

Environmental/Passive use.

The appellate court cleared the way for the execution of the contract.

La cour d'appel a ouvert la voie à l'exécution du contrat.

Idiom: 'clear the way'.

His mind cleared of all peripheral thoughts as he focused on the task.

Son esprit s'est vidé de toutes pensées périphériques alors qu'il se concentrait.

Intransitive abstract use.

The transaction was cleared through the central clearinghouse.

La transaction a été compensée par la chambre de compensation centrale.

Highly technical financial use.

The general cleared the troops for deployment to the border.

Le général a autorisé le déploiement des troupes à la frontière.

High-level military authorization.

The author cleared the ambiguity in the second edition of the book.

L'auteur a levé l'ambiguïté dans la deuxième édition du livre.

Intellectual/Literary clearing.

The storm having cleared, the survivors began to assess the damage.

L'orage s'étant dissipé, les survivants ont commencé à évaluer les dégâts.

Participial phrase (The storm having cleared).

She cleared the debt by selling her remaining assets.

Elle a remboursé la dette en vendant ses actifs restants.

Financial resolution.

The path was cleared of any legal impediments by the new legislation.

La voie a été débarrassée de tout obstacle juridique par la nouvelle législation.

Abstract legal metaphor.

Common Collocations

Cleared for takeoff

Cleared of charges

Check cleared

Cleared the table

Cleared the way

Cleared for landing

Cleared for duty

Cleared a profit

Cleared the hurdle

Cleared my head

Common Phrases

All cleared

— Everything is finished, approved, or removed. Often used after a security check.

The building is all cleared; you can go back inside now.

Cleared out

— To have completely emptied a space or to have left a place quickly.

We cleared out the attic over the weekend.

Cleared up

— When a problem is solved or the weather becomes better.

The misunderstanding was cleared up after a short phone call.

Cleared to go

— Having permission to start or proceed with an action.

Once the light turns green, you are cleared to go.

Cleared for action

— Prepared and ready to start a difficult task or a fight.

The deck of the ship was cleared for action.

Cleared the air

— To remove bad feelings or tension between people by talking.

They had a long talk and finally cleared the air.

Cleared the decks

— To prepare for a major task by finishing smaller ones first.

I've cleared the decks so I can focus entirely on this project.

Cleared through customs

— To have passed the official check when entering a country.

It took two hours to get cleared through customs at the airport.

Cleared for release

— Official permission for a person to leave or a document to be published.

The prisoner was cleared for release on Monday.

Cleared of suspicion

— No longer thought to be guilty of something.

The neighbor was cleared of suspicion after the police found the real thief.

Often Confused With

cleared vs Cleaned

Cleaning involves soap/water; clearing involves removing objects.

cleared vs Clarity

Clarity is the noun (the state of being clear); cleared is the verb action.

cleared vs Closed

Opposite meaning; closed means blocked, cleared means open.

Idioms & Expressions

"Clear the air"

— To resolve a hidden tension or misunderstanding between people.

We need to have a meeting to clear the air about the new schedule.

Informal/Neutral

"Clear the decks"

— To get rid of small tasks to prepare for a big event or job.

Let's clear the decks today so we can start the renovation tomorrow.

Neutral

"Clear the way"

— To make it possible for something to happen or someone to proceed.

The court's decision cleared the way for the merger.

Formal/Neutral

"Clear as a bell"

— Very easy to hear or understand.

The instructions were clear as a bell.

Informal

"In the clear"

— No longer in danger or under suspicion.

The doctor says you are in the clear after the latest tests.

Informal

"Clear the hurdle"

— To overcome a specific obstacle in a process.

We finally cleared the hurdle of getting a bank loan.

Neutral

"Clear one's name"

— To prove that one is innocent after being accused of something bad.

He spent years trying to clear his name after the false accusation.

Formal/Neutral

"Clear the room"

— To cause everyone to leave a room, often due to a bad smell or a threat.

His terrible joke almost cleared the room.

Informal

"Clear of the woods"

— Out of danger or difficulty (usually 'out of the woods').

The patient is doing better, but she isn't cleared of the woods yet.

Informal

"Clear the path"

— To remove obstacles so that progress can be made.

The mentor cleared the path for the student's success.

Neutral

Easily Confused

cleared vs Cleaned

They sound similar and both relate to tidying.

Cleaned means removing dirt; cleared means removing items.

I cleaned the window, but I cleared the sill.

cleared vs Clarified

Both come from the same root 'clear'.

Clarified is for making an explanation clear; cleared is for removing obstacles.

He clarified his words after he cleared the room.

cleared vs Settled

Both are used in finance.

Settled often means a debt is finished; cleared means the bank process is done.

The check cleared, so the debt is now settled.

cleared vs Acquitted

Both are legal terms for being innocent.

Acquitted is specifically after a trial; cleared can be anytime.

He was cleared by the police and never even acquitted in court.

cleared vs Emptied

Both mean making a space have nothing in it.

Emptied is for containers; cleared is for areas or paths.

I emptied the box and cleared the hallway.

Sentence Patterns

I cleared the [noun].

I cleared the table.

The [weather] cleared.

The fog cleared.

He was cleared of [noun].

He was cleared of the crime.

The [financial item] cleared.

The check cleared.

She cleared the [obstacle].

She cleared the high jump.

It cleared the way for [noun].

It cleared the way for progress.

Cleared for [action/duty].

He was cleared for duty.

[Noun] having cleared, [Clause].

The mist having cleared, we saw the peak.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

He was cleared from the robbery. → He was cleared of the robbery.
The standard preposition for exoneration is 'of'.
I cleaned the table of all the plates. → I cleared the table of all the plates.
'Cleaned' means washing; 'cleared' means removing.
The check was cleared by the bank. → The check cleared at the bank.
While the passive is okay, 'the check cleared' is the more natural intransitive form.
I cleared my exam with high marks. → I passed my exam with high marks.
In standard English, you 'pass' an exam. 'Clear' an exam is a regionalism (common in Indian English) but not standard in UK/US English.
The sky was cleared. → The sky cleared.
Weather changes are usually expressed with the active intransitive verb.

Tips

Table Manners

Always use 'clear' for dishes. If you say 'clean the table,' your host might give you a sponge and soap!

Legal Prepositions

Remember: Cleared OF a crime. Using 'from' is a common mistake for non-native speakers.

Aviation English

In aviation, 'cleared' is a 'trigger word'. It means action is now allowed. Never use it lightly in a cockpit!

Net vs Gross

When a company 'clears' a profit, it refers to the 'net' amount—what is left after all the bills are paid.

Decluttering

Use 'cleared out' when you do a deep clean and throw things away. 'I cleared out my closet.'

Return to Play

If an athlete is 'cleared,' it means they have passed a physical exam and are safe to compete.

Clearing the Air

This is a great idiom for emotional intelligence. It means being brave enough to talk about a problem.

The Silent R

In British English, don't worry about the 'r'. Focus on the 'ee' sound sliding into the 'd'.

Action Verbs

'Cleared' is a strong action verb. Use it to show progress and resolution in your stories.

Pending vs Cleared

Always check if a transaction is 'cleared' before you assume the money is gone or arrived.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Clear' sky after a storm. The clouds have 'Cleared' away, leaving a 'Clear' path for the sun. C-L-E-A-R-E-D: Clouds Left, Everything Appears Really Empty and Distinct.

Visual Association

Imagine a pilot in a cockpit. He is waiting. Suddenly, a green light flashes on his screen with the word 'CLEARED'. He pushes the throttle and the plane moves forward. This links 'cleared' with permission and movement.

Word Web

Permission Empty Innocent Sky Bank Table Hurdle Path

Challenge

Try to use 'cleared' in three different ways today: once about a physical object, once about a task you finished, and once about a piece of information you understood.

Word Origin

The word 'cleared' comes from the Middle English 'cleren', which is derived from the Old French 'cler' (meaning bright, clear, or transparent). This, in turn, comes from the Latin 'clarus', which meant 'clear, bright, distinct, or famous'. The addition of the '-ed' suffix marks the past tense and past participle in English.

Original meaning: The original meaning in Latin and Old French focused on light and sound—something that was easy to see or hear. Over time, it evolved to mean 'free from obstruction' or 'pure'.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > French > Germanic influence > English

Cultural Context

Be mindful when using 'cleared' in the context of 'clearing land' in indigenous contexts, as it can refer to historical displacement.

Commonly used in workplace 'wrap-up' meetings to ensure all tasks are finished.

The phrase 'Cleared for takeoff' is iconic in Hollywood aviation movies like 'Top Gun'. The song 'I Can See Clearly Now' by Johnny Nash captures the feeling of a sky that has cleared. Legal thrillers by John Grisham often hinge on a character being 'cleared' of a crime.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Restaurant

Has the table been cleared?
Could you clear these plates?
We've cleared the bill.
The kitchen has cleared the orders.

At the Airport

Are we cleared for takeoff?
Have you cleared customs?
The runway is cleared.
Security has cleared the area.

In a Courtroom

He was cleared of all charges.
The evidence cleared her name.
The judge cleared the courtroom.
The suspect was cleared by DNA.

In Banking

Has my check cleared yet?
The funds have cleared.
A cleared transaction.
Waiting for the payment to be cleared.

Weather Reporting

The sky cleared by afternoon.
The fog has cleared.
Conditions have cleared up.
A cleared horizon.

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever cleared out your entire house and felt amazing afterward?"

"How long does it usually take for a check to be cleared in your country?"

"Do you remember a time when the weather cleared just in time for an event?"

"What is the biggest hurdle you have ever cleared in your professional life?"

"Have you ever had to clear the air with a friend after a big misunderstanding?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you were cleared of a misunderstanding. How did it feel?

Describe the process of clearing out a physical space. What did you find?

Reflect on a goal you reached. What obstacles did you have to clear first?

Imagine you are a pilot. Describe the feeling of being cleared for takeoff.

Write about a day when your mind finally cleared after a period of confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it can also mean getting permission or being found innocent. For example, 'cleared for takeoff' means you have permission to fly, not that the plane is empty.

'Cleared' is a simple past tense, while 'cleared up' is a phrasal verb often used for weather or resolving confusion. 'The sky cleared' and 'The sky cleared up' are very similar, but 'cleared up' sounds more like a process was completed.

No, that is incorrect. You should say 'I finished' or 'I completed' my homework. 'Cleared' is for obstacles, spaces, or permissions.

Yes, in a legal sense ('He was cleared') or a medical sense ('She was cleared to play'). It means they are free from a restriction or accusation.

It means the bank has successfully moved the money from one account to another, and the funds are now available to spend.

Yes, it can describe a state, like 'a cleared field' or 'a cleared path'.

It usually means jumping over something without touching it, like 'The horse cleared the fence'.

It is a financial institution that helps clear (process) transactions between banks.

It can be both. 'Cleared the table' is informal/neutral, while 'cleared of all charges' is formal.

It is a standardized word in aviation to ensure there is no confusion about receiving permission.