a vague comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vague comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement that lacks clarity or specificity. Example: "Her response was just a vague comment that didn't address the question at all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Timothy F. Geithner, the Treasury secretary, offered a vague comment to Congress last March, that after some unspecified reform effort someday in the future, the companies "will not exist in the same form as they did in the past".

The New York Times

He was left out of the Barcelona starting line-up for the defeat at Real Sociedad, subsequently began following Chelsea on Instagram and his future was the subject of a vague comment   by coach Luis Enrique.

BBC

Make a vague comment about hearing that they aren't giving any raises.

Huffington Post

Sorry, Donald, but it's going to take more than a vague comment to convince us that you really care about the queer community.

Huffington Post

The Hill reports that they reached out to the office of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, who is Jewish, but received only a vague comment that did not reference Palin's blood libel remark.

Huffington Post

In its now-thwarted master plan, Liberty Counsel expected the Vatican to simply do what it has done in the past: Put out a vague comment and let it stand, thus allowing Liberty Counsel to continue to control the narrative.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A spokesman for the governor offered only a tantalizingly vague comment: "The governor is focusing on running state government, and is considering a number of post-November 15 options".

The New York Times

Geithner offered a few vague comments about averting foreclosures in his bailout roll-out last Tuesday, but the glacial pace of government-sponsored foreclosure relief may mean that it's time for more direct action.

Huffington Post

I assumed she liked them, because whenever a box was passed around, she would make some vague comment along the lines of "I like them".

The New York Times - Tech

One analyst from Bank of America Merrill Lynch said in an equity research note: "The [chief executive officer's] vague comment on rampant press speculation concerning his departure is … potentially leaving a complicated vessel rudderless in increasingly stormy waters".

The Guardian - Business

The White House talking points conclude with this strikingly vague comment: "While there are multiple paths the House of Representatives can take, the President stands willing to work with all parties to make immigration reform a reality".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, avoid using "a vague comment". Instead, strive to provide specific details and context to ensure clarity. If you use it, be aware of its effect on the reader.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a vague comment" without offering additional explanation. This can leave your audience confused and uncertain about your intended meaning. Clarify the vagueness or use a more precise phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vague comment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the nature of the comment, indicating its lack of clarity or specificity. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

23%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vague comment" is a noun phrase used to describe a statement lacking clarity or specificity. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. While grammatically sound and generally acceptable, overuse of "a vague comment" without context can lead to confusion. Therefore, when using this phrase, consider whether you can replace it with more specific language for better clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ambiguous remark

Replaces 'vague' with 'ambiguous', emphasizing the lack of clarity.

an unclear statement

Substitutes 'vague' with 'unclear', highlighting the difficulty in understanding.

a non-specific remark

Uses 'non-specific' instead of 'vague', focusing on the lack of detail.

an indefinite assertion

Replaces 'comment' with 'assertion', indicating a statement made without strong conviction.

a general observation

Emphasizes the broad and non-detailed nature of the comment.

a nebulous statement

Uses 'nebulous' to convey a sense of indistinctness or haziness.

a cryptic response

Implies that the comment is intentionally mysterious or difficult to decipher.

an evasive answer

Suggests the comment is used to avoid directly addressing a question.

a roundabout explanation

Highlights the indirectness and lack of precision in the comment.

an imprecise utterance

Replaces 'comment' with 'utterance', focusing on the act of speaking without clear intention.

FAQs

How can I use "a vague comment" in a sentence?

You can use "a vague comment" to describe a statement that lacks detail or clarity. For example, "The politician offered "a vague comment" about the new policy, leaving many confused".

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

Alternatives to "a vague comment" include "an unclear statement", "an ambiguous remark", or "a non-specific remark", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to provide a specific detail or "a vague comment"?

Generally, providing specific details is preferable for clarity and understanding. "A vague comment" can be used when specific information is unavailable or intentionally avoided, but it's crucial to be mindful of potential confusion.

What's the difference between "a vague comment" and "an evasive answer"?

"A vague comment" simply lacks clarity, while "an evasive answer" intentionally avoids directly addressing a question. The latter implies an intent to mislead or conceal information.