ambiguities

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ambiguities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to situations or statements that are unclear or open to multiple interpretations, either due to their complexity or because they are deliberately vague. For example, "This contract is full of ambiguities that make it difficult to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The slightest ambiguities, the most inexplicable transpositions of ideas take place.

The Guardian - Books

David's painting crushes such ambiguities with one of art's great images of secular martyrdom.

The Guardian - Arts

Carlos Arze, from the Agrarian and Labour Development Studies Centre (CEDLA), shares this sentiment with Campanini, believing the new law removes ambiguities in prior Bolivian legislation.

The Guardian

The arrangement is relatively free of ambiguities about purpose, and there is less temptation either to chase short-term results or to use the very long term as a sentimental excuse for indulgence.Central to all this is private equity's way of attracting first-rate executives and then motivating and monitoring them.

The Economist

Faisal was caught, in Mr Allawi's words, between "French ambitions, British ambiguities and American dithering".

The Economist

Tony Blair his friend and erstwhile boss, who takes the hot seat soon will have been watching anxiously.There were omissions and ambiguities in Mr Campbell's testimony that should shape the panel's questioning of the former prime minister (see article).

The Economist

But while Mr Blair knows well enough that securing a "Yes" from a predominantly Eurosceptical electorate will not be easy, he may still be underestimating the difficulties that lie ahead.The prime minister's biggest quandary is how to make an upbeat case for a turgidly written document of 333 pages that is riddled with deliberate ambiguities.

The Economist

This approach offers much greater flexibility than rule-based systems, since it translates languages based on how they are actually used, rather than relying on rigid grammatical rules which may not always be observed, and often have exceptions.Examples abound of the ridiculous results produced by rule-based systems, which are unable to cope in the face of similes, ambiguities or bad grammar.

The Economist

Its article dealing with the allocation of oil revenue has worrying ambiguities that could be abused by Shias and Kurds sitting on the oil fields.

The Economist

His account becomes an invitation to understand the complexities and ambiguities of the period and to remember those who have no one to remember them.

The Economist

For all the ambiguities of the general-election result, which began to unfold on May 6th, that much seems apparent.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, revise sentences containing "ambiguities" to ensure clarity. Consider rephrasing or providing additional context to resolve potential misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your audience will automatically grasp the intended meaning. Provide sufficient context to prevent misinterpretations arising from potential "ambiguities".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ambiguities" is as a plural noun. It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, referring to instances of unclear or multiple meanings. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambiguities" functions as a plural noun denoting a state of uncertainty or multiple interpretations. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability. It is frequently used in formal contexts like news, business, and scientific writing to analyze and discuss a lack of clarity. To enhance writing precision, it's important to provide sufficient context to avoid potential misinterpretations. Alternatives like "uncertainties", "vagueness", and "obscurities" can be used depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of clarity

Directly points out the absence of clearness or distinctness.

semantic ambiguities

Specifically refers to ambiguities arising from the meaning of words or phrases.

uncertainties

Refers to a state of being unsure or doubtful about something, emphasizing a lack of predictability or definiteness.

vagueness

Indicates a lack of clarity or precision in expression or thought, highlighting the imprecise nature of something.

open to interpretation

Emphasizes that something can be understood in multiple ways, depending on the interpreter.

obscurities

Focuses on the state of being difficult to understand due to a lack of clarity or explicitness.

equivocations

Implies the use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid commitment.

indistinctions

Emphasizes a lack of clear differences or boundaries between things, leading to confusion.

double meanings

Highlights the presence of two possible interpretations, often intentionally.

interpretational variations

Focuses on the different ways in which something can be understood or explained.

FAQs

How to use "ambiguities" in a sentence?

You can use "ambiguities" to describe situations or statements that are unclear or have multiple interpretations. For instance, "The contract contained several ambiguities that needed clarification."

What can I say instead of "ambiguities"?

You can use alternatives like "uncertainties", "vagueness", or "obscurities" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "ambiguities" and "uncertainties"?

"Ambiguities" refer to situations where something can be understood in multiple ways, while "uncertainties" denote a lack of sureness or predictability about something.

How can I avoid "ambiguities" in my writing?

To avoid "ambiguities", use precise language, provide sufficient context, and consider potential alternative interpretations of your statements. Review your writing to identify and eliminate any potential sources of confusion.