a vague answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vague answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a response that lacks clarity or specificity. Example: "When asked about the project's timeline, she gave a vague answer that left everyone confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

A vague answer, perhaps inevitably so.

The New York Times - Arts

He did that, he came back with a vague answer.

Independent

Mr. Reyes gave a vague answer and kept going.

The New York Times

Contador, a 26-year-old Spaniard, gave a vague answer.

The New York Times - Sports

But he gave a vague answer last week when asked about Easler's role.

The New York Times - Sports

"Offer a vague answer and then take command of the meeting by asking the interviewer their feeling on the issue".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

You may get a short, vague answer or a long, detailed one — it depends how your friend is feeling.

WikiHow

A general, vague answer ("Oh, I could do anything in retail or accounting" or "A regular paycheck!") leaves the impression that you don't know what you want or are not very knowledgeable.

Huffington Post

Nevertheless, clearly concerned about making "a rather vague answer", immediately after lunch when the inquiry resumed the prime minister said that he had talked to his wife, Samantha, who had checked his personal diaries for 2008, 2009 and 2010.

The Guardian

"It was a pretty vague answer... but at least it's on his agenda.

BBC

I know that's a very vague answer, but I'm personally very excited about healthcare breaking down hospital walls and becoming something that consumers can manage on their own and not just dependent on doctors who are pretty expensive and pretty difficult to get to.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vague answer", be specific about why the answer is vague. For example, "He gave a vague answer, avoiding any mention of specific dates or amounts".

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone gave "a vague answer" without explaining what information was missing or unclear. Provide context to illustrate the vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vague answer" functions as a noun phrase typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'gave a vague answer', 'received a vague answer'). As demonstrated by Ludwig AI, it describes the nature of a response.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a vague answer" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a response that lacks clarity or detail. As Ludwig AI's analysis shows, it frequently appears in news and media contexts. While "a vague answer" is generally neutral in tone, it often implies that the respondent is being evasive or lacks complete information. For greater precision, consider alternatives like "an imprecise response" or "an unclear reply", depending on the specific context. Remember to provide context to illustrate why the answer is vague for more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an imprecise response

Replaces 'vague' with 'imprecise', emphasizing the lack of exactness.

an unclear reply

Substitutes 'vague' with 'unclear', highlighting the lack of clarity.

an ambiguous response

Uses 'ambiguous' instead of 'vague', stressing the possibility of multiple interpretations.

an indefinite answer

Replaces 'vague' with 'indefinite', suggesting a lack of specific boundaries or details.

an evasive reply

Shifts the focus to the intention behind the answer, suggesting an attempt to avoid directness.

a non-committal response

Highlights the lack of a firm position or agreement in the answer.

a general answer

Replaces 'vague' with 'general', pointing out the lack of specific details.

a broad answer

Similar to 'general', but emphasizes the wide scope and lack of focus.

an unforthcoming response

Highlights a reluctance to provide complete or detailed information.

a circumspect reply

Focuses on the cautiousness and indirectness of the response.

FAQs

What does it mean to give "a vague answer"?

Giving "a vague answer" means providing a response that lacks detail, clarity, or specificity, often leaving the listener uncertain or uninformed.

What can I say instead of "a vague answer"?

You can use alternatives like "an imprecise response", "an unclear reply", or "an ambiguous response" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to give "a vague answer"?

Giving "a vague answer" may be appropriate when you don't have complete information, when you need to avoid revealing sensitive details, or when you want to deflect a question without directly refusing to answer.

What is the difference between "a vague answer" and "a misleading answer"?

"A vague answer" lacks clarity but isn't necessarily untrue, while "a misleading answer" is designed to create a false impression, even if technically accurate. One is incomplete, the other is deceptive.