a vaguely explained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vaguely explained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been explained in a manner that lacks clarity or detail. Example: "The report contained a vaguely explained methodology that left many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

True, Mom (she's always Mom here), a divorced, ambitious, aspiring actress in the ultimate movie town, was blithely pleased to send her adolescent daughter off, unaccompanied, for a vaguely explained "photo shoot" with a famous and powerful man.

The New York Times - Books

In January it asked ITLOS to rule on China's claim in the South China Sea, a vaguely explained U-shaped "nine-dashed line" looping round virtually all of it.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mendelson's understandable aversion to moral relativism causes her to err in the other direction, narrowing her definition of morality to a specific, yet vaguely explained "cultural product of the West," and thereby shrinking her sympathetic readership to those few who happen to share her idiosyncratic terms.

The New Yorker

"One of the options during the week was to go each morning to Taize, which was vaguely explained as a singing meditation," Ian told me.

Huffington Post

During an interview on Fox News, Trump vaguely explained where he got his Obama wiretap claims: a Jan . 20article in the New York Times.

Vice

One of the human rights members, acting as if this were all very routine, vaguely explained that they were a group taking an official tour, and the attendant, assuming his boss had forgotten to notify him, unchained the doors.

The New York Times - Magazine

In his statement, the President vaguely explained that, "we're going to spend a lot of time, a lot of effort and a lot of money on the opioid crisis". President Trump has yet to give any specific plans on stopping the opioid crisis.

Forbes

With students dealing with projects that are vaguely explained and examinations that aren't accurately described, there becomes a feeling that there just isn't enough time in the current day.

Huffington Post

It's the ancillary riddles and vaguely explained curiosities, like the interludes in Lego land.

The New York Times

I drew three initial cards, Knight in Cups, Emperor and Happiness, and listened as my Louisiana Mystic Meg gently, and extremely vaguely, explained their many possible meanings.

The Guardian - Travel

Your article on Nocera's work suggests that he has solved the energy problem with his implied but only vaguely explained, and completely unquantified improvement upon the existing commercial electrolysis of water.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a vaguely explained", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being vaguely explained and the impact of this lack of clarity. Provide specific examples if possible to strengthen your point.

Common error

Avoid using "a vaguely explained" without providing context or indicating why the explanation's vagueness is relevant. Simply stating something is vaguely explained doesn't offer much insight unless you specify the consequences or implications of this vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vaguely explained" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something (like a concept, idea, or process) that has been explained but lacks clarity, precision, or sufficient detail. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a vaguely explained" is a grammatically correct and usable expression used to describe something lacking clarity or detail in its explanation. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears most frequently in news and media sources. When using the phrase, it's important to provide context about what's being vaguely explained and the implications of that vagueness. Alternatives such as "poorly defined" or "inadequately clarified" may be considered depending on the specific context. Overall, while a valid phrase, careful consideration should be given to ensure its effective and meaningful use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadequately clarified

Emphasizes that the explanation didn't provide sufficient clarity.

imprecisely described

Highlights a lack of accuracy in the way something was explained.

poorly defined

Focuses on the lack of clear boundaries or parameters in the explanation.

ambiguously presented

Focuses on the potential for multiple interpretations in the explanation.

indistinctly articulated

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and precision in the expression.

sketchily outlined

Suggests the explanation was brief and lacked detail.

fuzzily conveyed

Suggests the explanation was unclear and difficult to grasp.

tenuously elucidated

Implies the explanation was weakly supported or connected.

partially detailed

Highlights that the explanation was not complete.

superficially addressed

Suggests the explanation lacked depth and thoroughness.

FAQs

How can I use "a vaguely explained" in a sentence?

You can use "a vaguely explained" to describe something lacking clarity. For example, "The contract contained "a vaguely explained" clause, leading to confusion".

What are some alternatives to "a vaguely explained"?

Alternatives include "poorly defined", "inadequately clarified", or "sketchily outlined", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to use "a vaguely explained" in formal writing?

Yes, "a vaguely explained" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when criticizing a lack of clarity. However, ensure the context supports the criticism, and consider more formal alternatives if appropriate.

What's the difference between "a vaguely explained" and "a poorly explained"?

"A vaguely explained" suggests a lack of detail or precision, while "a poorly explained" implies that the explanation was done badly or ineffectively. The former focuses on lack of specifics, the latter on the quality of the explanation itself.