a vague mandate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vague mandate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unclear or imprecise directive or authority given to someone or a group. Example: "The committee was frustrated by the vague mandate they received, which left them unsure of their responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Tan was dispatched to Sierra Leone in October 2014 with a vague mandate: "Go there and improve things".

The Guardian

It called for a co-operation "initiative" with a vague mandate to pursue confidence-building measures.This greatly annoyed the Afghans, who wanted something more.

The Economist

The government resigned seven years later after a damning report criticised authorities for failing to adequately prepare, arm and support the troops, sending them to Bosnia with a vague mandate to protect lives but seemingly insufficient weaponry to shield civilians from Bosnian Serb forces led by General Ratko Mladic.

Independent

The responses were similar: beyond a vague mandate to meet customer needs, make money, and do good work, there was little sense of mission.

Forbes

Orwellian doublespeak would require that the organization get a new name, a spruced-up image, and a vague mandate, while essentially performing the same old duties.

Huffington Post

If Congress could not in 1970 have passed the buck on lead in gasoline by giving the EPA a vague mandate to regulate it, Congress itself would have issued a rule that would have gotten the lead out far faster than the fifteen years it took the EPA.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But with the vague mandate described, it remained an open question whether the panel would conduct its own investigation or simply review what is produced by the opposing sides.

The New York Times

The vague mandate of the new upper house of parliament, which consists of non-partisan regional representatives, is also a recipe for strife.

The Economist

Instead of the vague mandate of "adequate yearly progress," federal financing should be conditioned on truth in advertising — on reliably describing achievement (or lack thereof) and spending.

The New York Times

Foreigners are not yet allowed to own stakes in Internet content providers or Internet service providers here, constraints that AOL and Legend reflected in outlining their venture's vague mandate.

The New York Times

The secretary-general is officially the chief administrative officer of the United Nations, but the role has evolved over time from that vague mandate.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a vague mandate", ensure you clarify the specifics of the mandate as soon as possible to avoid misunderstandings and inefficiencies. Request a detailed brief or meeting to define expectations.

Common error

Don't assume everyone interprets "a vague mandate" the same way. Differences in background, experience, and perspective can lead to conflicting interpretations. Always seek explicit clarification, even if it seems obvious to you.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vague mandate" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing the nature of assigned tasks or responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vague mandate" is a phrase used to describe an unclear or imprecise directive or authorization. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While grammatically sound, operating under "a vague mandate" can lead to misunderstandings, highlighting the importance of seeking clarification and establishing clear expectations. Related phrases such as "an ambiguous directive" or "an ill-defined authorization" can be used to express similar ideas. To ensure its effective use, writers should be aware of potential misinterpretations and clarify the specifics of the mandate to prevent confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ambiguous directive

Replaces "vague mandate" with terms that emphasize lack of clarity.

an ill-defined authorization

Focuses on the authorization aspect being poorly defined.

an imprecise instruction

Highlights the lack of precision in the given instruction.

a poorly specified task

Emphasizes the task itself lacks clear specifications.

a loosely defined role

Shifts the focus to the role or function having unclear boundaries.

an undefined responsibility

Highlights the lack of defined duties and accountabilities.

a general instruction

Uses "general" instead of "vague" to indicate a lack of specifics.

a broad authorization

Emphasizes the wide scope but lack of specific focus.

an open-ended assignment

Focuses on the assignment's lack of constraints or clear endpoint.

a nebulous charge

Uses "nebulous" for a more evocative description of vagueness.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "a vague mandate"?

Having "a vague mandate" means that the instructions or authorization you've received are unclear or lack specific details. It implies a lack of clarity regarding your responsibilities, goals, or the expected outcome.

How can I clarify "a vague mandate"?

To clarify "a vague mandate", seek further information from the source, ask specific questions about expectations and boundaries, and propose a detailed plan for approval. Alternatives for this situation are "an ambiguous directive" or "an ill-defined authorization".

What are the risks of operating under "a vague mandate"?

Operating under "a vague mandate" can lead to miscommunication, wasted effort, duplicated work, and outcomes that don't meet expectations. It increases the risk of errors and delays.

Is it better to have "a vague mandate" or a specific one?

Generally, a specific mandate is preferable because it provides clear guidance and minimizes ambiguity. However, a specific mandate might reduce freedom and innovation in project management. A well-defined mandate leads to a "clearly defined goal" and increases efficiency.