We use this sentence pattern to emphasize or strongly state something. We want to make sure that everybody knows it is an obvious fact.

In this expression, "clear" means obvious, easy to see, easy to know, or certain to happen. This expression adds emphasis to your language.

• The company will go bankrupt.
• It is clear that the company will go bankrupt.

Both sentences have the same general meaning, but the second sentence shows that the speaker truly believes that the statement is true and easy for anybody to see and understand.

It is clear (that) + sentence

• It is clear that he will get the promotion.
• It is clear that she didn't love him.
• It is clear we are going to have to work late tonight.
• It is clear that we need to change our company's strategy.
• It is clear your children love you very much.
• It is clear that you do not know how to deal with children.
• It is clear that you practice a lot. You are so good.
• It is clear he lived in an English-speaking country for a while. His English is perfect.

We can also change the "be verb" to past tense to talk about something that was clear and obvious in the past. If we are using a past tense "be verb", then the rest of the sentence should be in the past tense too.

• It was clear that he didn't want to work here, so we fired him.
• It was clear that she hadn't prepared for her speech last week.
• It was clear that they were not right for each other. So, they broke up.
• It was clear from the beginning that our team would lose the game.

We can express the opposite with this sentence pattern.

It is unclear whether/if…

• It is unclear whether he will come or not.
• It is unclear whether she will be fired or punished.
• It is unclear whether he cheated on the test.
• It is unclear if he committed the crime alone or if he had help.

Bonus Tips and Points

1. We can also use noun clauses with this sentence pattern.

It is clear/unclear + noun clause…

• It is clear who will win.
• It is clear what we should do.
• It is clear what they need to do.
• It is clear why you like him.
• It is unclear who will win the match. It is very close.
• It is not clear who is in charge.
• It is unclear what will happen.
• It is not clear how this situation will be resolved.

2. We can use the word "obvious" instead of "clear".

• It is obvious who will win.
• It is obvious that our boss likes you more than me.
• It is obvious that their relationship is not going to last.
• It is obvious that he is lying.

Real-World English Conversations

A) It is unclear if the company will lay off some workers this year.
B) When will we know for sure?
A) I don't know, but I will let you all know as soon as I found out.

A) It is clear that she likes you.
B) Really? It is not clear to me.

A) It is clear that our working relationship is not going well.
B) What are you saying?
A) I think we need a change. I want to move to a different team.

A) It is clear that you didn't prepare.
B) I prepared! I was just really nervous so I made many mistakes.
A) I don't believe you.

A) It is unclear who the next manager will be.
B) I hope it is Mark. He is great and everybody likes him.
A) I agree.

Use these free English lessons to learn the most common sentence patterns in the English language. If you learn these sentence and questions well, it will help you speak English well. Study the lessons thoroughly, practice making your own sentences, and come back to review often. If you do these three steps, your English speaking will improve quickly and you will be able to have natural English conversations.