ambiguous regarding what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambiguous regarding what" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a lack of clarity or uncertainty about a specific subject or issue. Example: "The report was ambiguous regarding what actions should be taken next, leaving the team confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Given the limited spectral diversity measured using NIR, since only overtone and combination bands are evaluated, interpreting regression coefficients plots becomes more ambiguous regarding what is being predicted.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 2003, only 22% of high impact general and internal medicine journals mentioned CONSORT in their instructions for authors, and many used ambiguous language regarding what was expected from authors [ 22].

BMC Psychiatry

There is no guarantee that every utterance of an ambiguous sentence will result in any unclarity regarding what was expressed or meant by the speaker.

SEP

Regarding "What Malpractice Insurance Crisis?

The New York Times

Be specific regarding what concerns you.

WikiHow

The results were ambiguous regarding gender effects.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

9 Nationally representative samples in the USA are ambiguous regarding use of prayer or spiritual healing.

BMJ Open

brought a court case challenging the IRS' previously ambiguous rules regarding political activity by tax exempt groups.

Huffington Post

Previous studies showed ambiguous results regarding responsiveness of the EQ-5D [ 33, 34].

BMC Family Practice

They become very ambiguous about what they are saying.

The Washington Post

Egypt's controversial new constitution is ambiguous about what counts as free speech.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ambiguous regarding what", ensure that the context clearly indicates the source or reason for the ambiguity. Providing specific examples or elaborating on the ambiguity can improve clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "ambiguous regarding what" can sometimes sound awkward in formal contexts. Consider using stronger, more precise language to directly address the lack of clarity, such as "the report lacks specific details" instead of "the report is ambiguous regarding what details are included".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambiguous regarding what" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or clause. It indicates that there is a lack of clarity or certainty about something. Ludwig examples show its use in academic and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambiguous regarding what" is a prepositional phrase used to denote a lack of clarity or certainty about a specific topic. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct but relatively rare. While acceptable across various registers, including science, news, and general writing, it's crucial to ensure the context clearly indicates the source or reason for ambiguity. Alternatives like "unclear about what" or "vague concerning what" may offer greater precision or stylistic suitability in certain situations. While Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity, writers should aim for clarity and specificity to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear about what

Replaces "ambiguous" with "unclear", maintaining the core meaning of a lack of clarity.

vague concerning what

Substitutes "ambiguous" with "vague" and "regarding" with "concerning", offering a slightly more formal tone.

uncertain as to what

Replaces "ambiguous" with "uncertain" and restructures the phrase, emphasizing the lack of certainty.

indefinite in terms of what

Uses "indefinite" instead of "ambiguous", highlighting the lack of defined limits or boundaries.

open to interpretation regarding what

Shifts the focus to the potential for multiple interpretations, rather than a simple lack of clarity.

subject to debate concerning what

Highlights that the matter is contentious and not clearly defined.

dubious with respect to what

Introduces an element of doubt or skepticism about the subject matter.

equivocal about what

Uses "equivocal" to suggest that the statement or situation is open to two or more interpretations and deliberately evasive.

tenuous regarding what

Implies that the connection or understanding is weak and fragile.

murky as to what

Emphasizes the lack of clarity through the use of the word "murky", suggesting a clouded or obscured understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "ambiguous regarding what" in a sentence?

You can use "ambiguous regarding what" to express a lack of clarity or certainty about a particular subject. For example: "The contract was "ambiguous regarding what" constituted a breach of agreement."

What are some alternatives to "ambiguous regarding what"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "unclear about what", "vague concerning what", or "uncertain as to what", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be specific or "ambiguous regarding what" I'm referring to?

In most cases, specificity is preferred for clear communication. Being "ambiguous regarding what" you are referring to can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Therefore, aim for clarity and precision in your language.

What's the difference between "ambiguous regarding what" and "unclear on what"?

"Ambiguous regarding what" and "unclear on what" are quite similar. "Ambiguous" suggests multiple possible interpretations, while "unclear" simply indicates a lack of understanding or detail. The choice depends on the specific context and intended emphasis.