Slightly ambiguous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Slightly ambiguous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement or situation that is not entirely clear or has multiple interpretations. Example: "The instructions were slightly ambiguous, leading to confusion among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

This gives a slightly ambiguous, magical quality to the image.

The Guardian - Arts

"The pattern also makes the shape slightly ambiguous.

The New York Times

There was no room for anything even slightly ambiguous.

The New Yorker

The puzzle is seemingly simple, slightly ambiguous and astonishingly difficult.

The New York Times

Kate and Hank Karine Plantadit and Mr. Robertss) have a slightly ambiguous, tempestuous relationship.

The New York Times - Arts

A quiet, slightly ambiguous romantic attraction begins to develop between them.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Hastings's descent from bastion of probity into something slightly more ambiguous was another of this season's topical touchstones.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The word "abduction" usually has very negative connotations, but you see what happens to your heroine, Jane, in slightly more ambiguous terms, don't you?

The New Yorker

On another critical issue — funding — the proposal is slightly more ambiguous, a tacit acknowledgment that the District, Maryland and Virginia have yet to find common ground on how to fund the system.

The Washington Post

You titled your story in this week's issue in which a fifteen-year-old girl accepts a ride from three older boys and is permanently affected by what ensues—"An Abduction". The word "abduction" usually has very negative connotations, but you see what happens to your heroine, Jane, in slightly more ambiguous terms, don't you?

The New Yorker

It was said at the time that Google announced its restructuring that it might be moving some of those more ethically difficult businesses into a separate company precisely so that Google could keep its commitment to be good while Alphabet might be slightly more ambiguous, among other things.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly ambiguous", ensure the context provides enough information to understand the intended meaning, even if some details are unclear. This prevents complete confusion.

Common error

Avoid relying on "slightly ambiguous" as a crutch. Instead of simply labeling something as such, try to specify why it's ambiguous or what aspects are unclear. This provides more helpful information to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly ambiguous" functions as an adverb-adjective combination modifying a noun. The adverb "slightly" intensifies or qualifies the adjective "ambiguous", indicating a mild degree of uncertainty or lack of clarity, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly ambiguous" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that lacks complete clarity but is not entirely obscure. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions as an adverb-adjective combination, expressing a nuanced assessment suitable for neutral and formal contexts. While clarity is generally preferred, using "slightly ambiguous" can be appropriate when acknowledging a degree of uncertainty or allowing for multiple interpretations. However, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to prevent confusion and overuse. Consider alternatives like "somewhat vague" or "a bit unclear" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat vague

Replaces 'ambiguous' with 'vague' and 'slightly' with 'somewhat' for a similar meaning.

a bit unclear

Uses simpler terms to express a lack of complete clarity.

marginally indefinite

Employs a more formal vocabulary to indicate a lack of definition.

somewhat uncertain

Substitutes 'ambiguous' with 'uncertain' to highlight the lack of certainty.

a little dubious

Indicates a slight hesitation or doubt about the clarity.

not entirely clear

Expresses that the meaning isn't fully defined or obvious.

partially obscure

Suggests that the meaning is somewhat hidden or not easily understood.

reasonably equivocal

Highlights the possibility of multiple interpretations in a more formal manner.

kind of hazy

Uses a more casual term to describe the lack of clarity.

relatively undefined

Emphasizes the lack of specific definition or boundaries.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly ambiguous" in a sentence?

"Slightly ambiguous" is used to describe something that is not entirely clear or has multiple possible interpretations. For example, "The instructions were slightly ambiguous, leading to some confusion."

What are some alternatives to saying "slightly ambiguous"?

You can use alternatives such as "somewhat vague", "a bit unclear", or "not entirely clear" depending on the context.

Is it better to be clear or "slightly ambiguous" in communication?

Clarity is generally preferred, but "slightly ambiguous" language can sometimes be used intentionally to create intrigue or allow for different interpretations. However, it's essential to ensure the core message remains understandable.

What does it mean when something is described as "slightly ambiguous"?

It means that the subject in question lacks complete clarity and could be interpreted in more than one way. It's less confusing than something that is completely ambiguous but still requires some interpretation.