Clearance v cleared
Two words that are a real problem.
Some years ago following a serious accident the use of the word "take-off" was restricted to a specific occasion and in its application.
It is time for the two very similar; "cleared" and "clearance", but very different words to be revised.
Perhaps the phrase; "expect your routing to be" and "you are cleared to" would be less ambiguous. It would also then become; "after departure your routing will be" followed by; "you are cleared to take-off".
I agree with the many comments that ATC do not always bother to issue a formal clearance once the routing is agreed. In fact i have on occasion experienced a degree of irritation from ATC when i have insisted that a formal "cleared to..." is given.