a bit woolly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit woolly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is vague, unclear, or lacking in precision. Example: "The explanation he provided was a bit woolly, making it difficult for the audience to grasp the main point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Despite her charisma and striking, reedy voice, things can be heavy and a bit woolly.

The Guardian - Music

They got a bit woolly at some of the lineouts and failed to get numbers to some of the breakdowns.

The Guardian - Sport

He told the Radio Times: "People say, 'Well, you're a bit woolly' and 'You're really not informed'; 'You're not this' and 'You're not that'.

Independent

Admittedly the "break out of prison" part of this step is a bit woolly and ill-defined, but you're Sylvester Stallone.

The Guardian - Film

He has been the main mover in attracting Mr Axelrod, not least because he is aware that his boss comes across as well-meaning, but a bit woolly.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This program in the past has been a bit woolly, we want to give it more clarity and focus," he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Management consultant, Luton "I'm not a massive Guardian reader – sometimes it can be a bit too woolly and liberal for my tastes – but I have both the Telegraph and Guardian apps on my phone.

The Guardian

In mid-October he signed legislation aimed at making life a bit less woolly for the thousand-odd flock-tenders in his state, most of whom are "guest workers" from Peru.

Forbes

Mr. Wilson's ending is also a bit on the woolly side.

The New York Times - Books

The cooking clouds have lifted, as trees blossom and bluebells carpet the woods, now, surely, is the time to leave roasting behind for a bit, along with woolly hats and winter coats.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If her job titles suggest someone a bit rustic and woolly, Colette is quite the opposite, a slim and attractive woman in her 40s, with a dry sense of humour and a finger on the pulse of everything that happens in the parish.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit woolly" when you want to convey that something lacks clarity or is somewhat vague, but avoid using it in overly formal contexts where more precise language is required.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit woolly" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "somewhat unclear" or "slightly ambiguous" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit woolly" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a quality of vagueness or lack of clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bit woolly" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something that lacks clarity or precision. As Ludwig AI states, it's a valid and usable expression in English. While not appropriate for highly formal or technical contexts, it fits well in news articles, general discussions, and semi-formal writing. Alternatives such as "somewhat vague" or "slightly indistinct" can be used for similar effect. Remember to use it judiciously, especially in formal contexts, to maintain the desired level of professionalism and clarity. The expression is found frequently in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not entirely clear

Directly states a lack of clarity.

somewhat vague

Emphasizes a lack of clarity or definition.

slightly indistinct

Highlights the blurry or unclear nature of something.

rather nebulous

Suggests something is formless or ill-defined.

a tad imprecise

Highlights the lack of exactness or accuracy.

a little fuzzy

Implies a lack of sharpness or detail.

kind of hazy

Indicates a lack of clarity or precision, often due to being unfocused.

somewhat muddled

Suggests confusion or a lack of order.

a trifle ambiguous

Highlights the potential for multiple interpretations.

slightly obscure

Implies that something is not easily understood.

FAQs

What does the phrase "a bit woolly" mean?

The phrase "a bit woolly" means something is vague, unclear, or lacking precision. It suggests a lack of sharpness or definition.

How can I use "a bit woolly" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit woolly" to describe explanations, plans, or ideas that are not fully formed or well-defined. For example: "The explanation was "somewhat vague" and "a bit woolly"."

What are some alternatives to "a bit woolly"?

Alternatives to "a bit woolly" include "slightly indistinct", "rather nebulous", or "not entirely clear" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a bit woolly"?

It's appropriate to use "a bit woolly" in informal or semi-formal contexts when you want to gently suggest that something is not very well-defined. Avoid using it in highly formal or technical settings where precision is crucial.