a vague notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vague notion" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means an unclear or hazy idea or understanding of something. Example: "She had only a vague notion of what the assignment was about, but she decided to research it further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

He had only a vague notion to build a house that stood out.

The New York Times

He said he had only a vague notion of what Mr. Fuentes did.

The New York Times

The Charleses had only a vague notion of what cystic fibrosis was.

The New York Times

Many Americans have a vague notion of an ungrateful nation that's gone soft and smug.

The New York Times

"You have a vague notion of a history, some kind of lost past.

The New York Times

It now has 84 majors, many with only a vague notion of the future for which they are training.

The New York Times

'Already I was burning with a vague notion of moving to New York and becoming a writer.

The Guardian - Books

But beyond a vague notion of "eating Indian" most people outside the subcontinent are unfamiliar with common Diwali foods.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She arrived there speaking no Chinese, with only one contact and a vague notion of learning a new language and perhaps finding a job as a journalist.

The New York Times

I read about it after I finished the story, but I already had a vague notion that some version of this kind of treatment went on there.

The New Yorker

The book goes further, saying in its introduction that many Europeans have only a vague notion of Asia, seeing it as "probably the most mysterious of continents".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vague notion" to introduce an idea that will be further developed or explained later in your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a vague notion" without providing any subsequent clarification; this can leave the reader confused and disengaged. Always aim to develop the idea further, offering supporting evidence or explanations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vague notion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes an idea or concept that is not clearly defined or understood. Ludwig's examples show it in various contexts where someone has an imprecise understanding of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vague notion" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an unclear or imprecise idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, indicating a general understanding without specific details. While the phrase is suitable for expressing a preliminary understanding, it's important to provide further elaboration to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a blurry idea" or "an indistinct concept" can be used for variety, but the core meaning remains consistent. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase without developing the idea, ensuring clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a blurry idea

Replaces 'vague' with 'blurry', emphasizing the lack of clarity in the idea.

an indistinct concept

Substitutes 'vague' with 'indistinct', highlighting the lack of sharp definition in the concept.

an unclear understanding

Focuses on the lack of clarity in the understanding, rather than the idea itself.

a hazy impression

Emphasizes the tentative and uncertain nature of the impression.

a rough idea

Indicates an approximate or preliminary understanding.

a faint inkling

Suggests a subtle or barely perceptible understanding.

a loose grasp

Highlights the tenuous hold on the concept or idea.

a superficial awareness

Implies a shallow or incomplete understanding.

a sketchy outline

Compares the understanding to an incomplete or hastily drawn sketch.

an amorphous sense

Uses "amorphous" to convey that the sense is shapeless and undefined.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vague notion" to describe a general or unclear idea. For example, "He had "a vague notion" about the project's requirements, but needed more details."

What are some alternatives to "a vague notion"?

Alternatives include "a blurry idea", "an indistinct concept", or "an unclear understanding".

Is it better to be specific instead of having "a vague notion"?

In many contexts, specificity is preferable for clarity. However, "a vague notion" can be useful when introducing an initial or developing idea that will be refined later. For example, if you have "a rough idea" but need to explore further.

What's the difference between "a vague notion" and "a firm belief"?

"A vague notion" implies uncertainty and lack of clarity, whereas "a firm belief" suggests strong conviction and certainty. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum of confidence in an idea or concept. If something is only "a hazy impression" it can't be a firm belief.