a vague concept

USAGE SUMMARY

"a vague concept" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an idea, belief, or thought that is not clearly defined or expressed. For example, "This novel tackles a vague concept of morality in modern society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Free speech isn't a vague concept," he said.

The New York Times

Carmelo Anthony looms as a vague concept, but not as an overpowering force.

The New York Times - Sports

Independence is a vague concept and defining it has proved difficult.

The Economist

Until his death he was a name and a vague concept of a battle for acceptance.

The Guardian - Sport

In the popular imagination, the word "community" tends to be a vague concept referencing "warm and fuzzy" relationships.

University of California, Berkeley

In a book, you have to have some idea where you're going, not to mention at least a vague concept of how to get there".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Fraser also took specific issue with making it easier for police to obtain a production order for "transmission data"—a vague new concept introduced in C-13 that is, in effect, metadata.

Vice

As spirituality is a relatively vague concept, understanding healthcare professionals' spiritual perspectives is important.

International Emergency Nursing

His work has been to make a farcically vague concept — "the meaning of life" — historical and concrete.

The New Yorker

Indeed, collisions remain a somewhat vague concept except when they are considered to take place between molecules modeled as hard spheres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Justice minister Lord McNally told the parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights that it would be "very dangerous territory" if spending decisions were tested "against a very vague concept of the human rights in any one particular area".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vague concept", clarify it with specific examples or definitions to avoid confusion. Providing context can make your writing more precise and understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "a vague concept" without providing any further explanation. If you introduce a concept as vague, immediately follow up with details that clarify its scope or offer concrete examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vague concept" functions as a noun phrase, where 'vague' acts as an adjective modifying 'concept'. It serves to characterize a particular idea or notion as lacking clarity or definition. As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes an idea that isn't clearly defined.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vague concept" is a frequently used phrase that characterizes an idea or notion lacking clarity and precision. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound for use in writing. Its widespread use spans across news media, scientific publications, and academic discourse. When employing "a vague concept", it's essential to provide further context or examples to mitigate potential confusion and enhance the overall clarity of your communication. While there are various alternatives such as "an ill-defined idea" or "an ambiguous term", the choice should align with the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an undefined notion

Replaces 'vague concept' with synonyms that emphasize lack of definition.

an ill-defined idea

Substitutes 'vague' with 'ill-defined', highlighting the absence of clear boundaries.

an ambiguous term

Shifts focus to the ambiguity of the term, rather than the concept itself.

an imprecise understanding

Emphasizes the lack of precision in comprehension.

a blurred line

Uses a metaphor to describe the lack of clarity.

a hazy perception

Focuses on the unclear nature of the perception.

a nebulous notion

Replaces 'vague' with 'nebulous', indicating a lack of distinct form.

a loose interpretation

Highlights the flexible and potentially inaccurate understanding.

a rough approximation

Suggests an inexact estimation or representation.

a general idea

Indicates a broad, non-specific understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vague concept" to describe something that lacks clear definition or boundaries. For example, "The politician's promises were dismissed as "a vague concept" with no practical application."

What are some alternatives to "a vague concept"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an undefined notion", "an ill-defined idea", or "an ambiguous term" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "a vague concept" or "a general idea"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of specificity, "a vague concept" emphasizes the lack of clarity, while "a general idea" simply suggests a broad understanding. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

What does it mean for something to be described as "a vague concept"?

When something is described as "a vague concept", it means that its meaning is not clear, precise, or well-defined. It may lack specific details or have shifting boundaries, making it difficult to grasp or apply consistently.