ambiguity about

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "ambiguity about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a state of uncertainty in which it is not clear exactly what something means or what the outcome of a situation will be. For example: There is still a lot of ambiguity about the economic effects of the coronavirus.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's no ambiguity about that.

The New Yorker

There is no ambiguity about the present.

The New York Times - Sports

There is no ambiguity about this".

The Guardian

There's a great ambiguity about that line.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I never allowed any ambiguity about it.

The New York Times

There was "no ambiguity" about the decision.

The Guardian

The ambiguity about her immigrant grandfather does not help.

The Economist

Joana's ambiguity about her race is quintessentially Brazilian.

The Economist

There is no ambiguity about his stature as a manager.

The Guardian - Sport

There was once some ambiguity about what these were.

The Economist

There was the organisational ambiguity about the response effort.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ambiguity about", ensure the subject you are referring to is clearly defined to avoid further confusion. For example, instead of saying "There is ambiguity about the results", specify what kind of results you are referring to: "There is ambiguity about the statistical significance of the clinical trial results".

Common error

Avoid using "ambiguity about" in overly broad contexts without specifying the source or area of uncertainty. For example, instead of stating "There is ambiguity about the project", clarify what aspect of the project lacks clarity: "There is ambiguity about the project's timeline and budget allocation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambiguity about" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the subject about which there is a lack of clarity or a state of uncertainty. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ambiguity about" serves as a crucial tool for expressing uncertainty or a lack of clarity in various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used in English. Ranging from scientific studies to news reports, "ambiguity about" is frequently employed to highlight areas needing further investigation or clarification. The usage analysis reveals its common occurrence in news and media, as well as in scientific literature. While adaptable to both formal and informal registers, it is essential to maintain precision when deploying this phrase to avert unintended confusion. Employing clear definitions and avoiding overgeneralization are key to ensuring effective communication. Consider alternatives such as "uncertainty regarding" or "lack of clarity concerning" to add nuance and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertainty regarding

Replaces "ambiguity" with "uncertainty", focusing on the lack of sureness about something.

lack of clarity concerning

Emphasizes the absence of clear understanding, replacing "ambiguity" with a more direct expression.

vagueness surrounding

Highlights the imprecise or ill-defined nature of the subject, using "vagueness" as a substitute for "ambiguity".

doubt pertaining to

Focuses on the presence of doubt or skepticism, shifting the emphasis from unclear meaning to questioning.

confusion over

Indicates a state of being bewildered or unclear, suggesting active misunderstanding rather than just lack of clarity.

indistinctness in relation to

Highlights a lack of clear definition or boundaries, suggesting something is not sharply defined.

opacity concerning

Implies that something is difficult to see through or understand, using a metaphor of visual clarity.

equivocation regarding

Suggests deliberate use of vague language to avoid commitment, implying intention behind the lack of clarity.

imprecision with respect to

Emphasizes the lack of exactness or accuracy, focusing on the level of detail rather than overall clarity.

haziness surrounding

Evokes a sense of being obscured or unclear, similar to a physical haze that obscures vision.

FAQs

How can I use "ambiguity about" in a sentence?

Use "ambiguity about" to indicate a lack of clarity or uncertainty regarding a specific topic. For instance, "There is considerable "ambiguity about" the new regulations".

What are some alternatives to "ambiguity about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "uncertainty regarding", "lack of clarity concerning", or "vagueness surrounding", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "ambiguity about" or "confusion about"?

"Ambiguity about" suggests a lack of clear definition or multiple possible interpretations, while "confusion about" implies a state of being bewildered or unable to understand. The choice depends on whether the issue is unclear or actively misunderstood.

What does "ambiguity about" imply in a formal context?

In formal contexts, ""ambiguity about"" suggests a need for further clarification or precision. It can highlight areas where definitions are not well-established or where multiple interpretations are possible, requiring careful analysis.