a vague statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vague statement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a statement that lacks clarity or precision. Example: "The politician's response was nothing more than a vague statement that failed to address the concerns of the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The admission came in a vague statement from the State Council, China's cabinet.

The New York Times

Of the 43 municipalities, 19 failed even to respond with a vague statement of good intentions.

The New York Times

But in typical Microsoft fashion, they've put out a vague statement about what it means.

The Guardian - Tech

In a vague statement of principle last Thursday, Israel said it was ready for "adjustments" in its Gaza policy.

The New York Times

"You cannot just have a vague statement that the government is prepared when they're clearly not prepared.

The New York Times

In a vague statement later, the F.B.I. seemed to deny the report, but CBS stands by its reporting.

The New York Times

The DNV (2007) code effectively ignores the problem as it simply provides a vague statement regarding a conservative value of wall thickness that should be used in the design calculations.

Ocean Engineering

"We don't need the scholarship and monument," said Chun Choon Ja, 62. "We want a more sincere apology, not a vague statement of regret, from the U.S. government".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Complexity is a pretty vague statement, but we wanted a theme partly because it gives you something to discuss".

The Guardian - Books

Initially the NRA released a very vague statement that the organization would not comment on an investigation that was ongoing and would wait until all the facts were known.

HuffPost

In a somewhat vague statement issued Thursday, the Mormon Church praised the Boy Scouts for a "thoughtful" approach to this "complex" issue and said the new proposals contained "positive things".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing a statement, specify why it's vague. Instead of just saying "It's a vague statement", explain what specific details are missing or unclear.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a statement as "a vague statement" without explaining why it's vague. Provide specific examples of what makes the statement unclear or lacking in detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vague statement" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms it describes a statement lacking clarity or precision. It is frequently used to critique or dismiss a statement for its lack of specificity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a vague statement" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a statement lacking clarity or precision. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered "Correct" and is "Very common" across various contexts, particularly in "News & Media". Often, using "a vague statement" expresses criticism about the lack of details. To improve writing, it's important to specify why a statement is vague rather than just labeling it. Alternatives include "an ambiguous remark" or "an unclear declaration". Top authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this expression. This analysis offers insights into effectively using and understanding "a vague statement" in diverse communicative settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ambiguous remark

Focuses on the possibility of multiple interpretations rather than lack of clarity.

an unclear declaration

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in an official announcement or affirmation.

an indefinite assertion

Highlights the lack of specific details or supporting evidence in a claim.

an imprecise communication

Stresses the lack of accuracy or exactness in the conveyed message.

an ill-defined pronouncement

Focuses on the poorly defined nature of a formal or authoritative statement.

a hazy formulation

Implies a lack of clarity and distinctness in the way something is expressed.

an unsubstantiated claim

Highlights the absence of proof or supporting evidence for a statement.

a general remark

Emphasizes the lack of specific detail or focus in the statement.

a noncommittal response

Focuses on the statement's avoidance of a clear position or commitment.

an evasive comment

Highlights the statement's attempt to avoid directly addressing the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vague statement" to describe something that lacks clarity or precision. For example, "The politician offered "a vague statement" about their plans for the economy".

What are some alternatives to "a vague statement"?

You can use alternatives like "an ambiguous remark", "an unclear declaration", or "an indefinite assertion depending on the specific context.

What makes a statement "vague"?

A statement is considered vague when it lacks specific details, uses broad language, or leaves room for multiple interpretations. It often fails to provide a clear understanding of the subject.

Is it always bad to make "a vague statement"?

Not necessarily. Sometimes, "a vague statement" might be used intentionally to avoid committing to a specific position or to maintain flexibility in a situation. However, in most cases, clarity is preferred.