ambiguous reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ambiguous reply" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a response that is unclear or open to multiple interpretations. For example, "Her ambiguous reply left everyone confused about her true intentions." Alternative expressions include "vague response" and "unclear answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Yet the memory of those pensive chords stayed with me: a wordless message, an ambiguous reply, drifting backward in time.

The New Yorker

Seemingly on the strength of this ambiguous reply, which could have implied either exasperation or denial, the FA issued a statement saying there had been no relationship and threatened legal action if the reports continued.

The Economist

Asked recently in Delaware about his political plans, he offered an ambiguous reply: "I think the biggest question you have to ask is, 'Can you really lead the country?' If I believe that I can do it, then I will, and if I don't, then I'll support somebody else".

The New York Times

Receiving either an ambiguous reply or no meaningful action after all that work is enough to discourage most rational activists.

Huffington Post

There was more blogging on the Web and talking on the radio, but Mehlman's ambiguous reply did not meet the standards of news for mainstream journalists who neither noticed nor wrote about it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Ambiguous replies were clarified by telephone call.

Behavior Genetics

Two hundred and ten (28%) individuals gave ambiguous replies to the barriers question, to the expectations not met question or to both.

Human Resources for Health

An ambiguous response.

The Guardian

Hazel writes to him to ask about the novel's ambiguous ending; Van Houten replies that he is only willing to answer in person.

Wikipedia

His reply was ambiguous: "We have a code: He who is not fighting cannot sit in judgment of someone who does.

The New Yorker

Ambiguous, I didn't reply; as we're sat by the ocean and I could make it anything you wanted, for this moment of speaking – but we have made it something forever.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ambiguous reply", ensure that the context clearly indicates who provided the reply and the situation surrounding it to avoid further confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "ambiguous reply" in every situation where a response is unclear. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "vague answer" or "unclear response" to maintain reader engagement and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambiguous reply" functions as a noun phrase, where "ambiguous" modifies the noun "reply". Ludwig shows its use in describing a response that is not clear or definite.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ambiguous reply" is a grammatically correct and usable term to describe a response that lacks clarity or is open to multiple interpretations. Ludwig identifies its use in various contexts, primarily in news and media and scientific publications. While "ambiguous reply" isn't the most common phrase, Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and suitable for use when you want to express that a response is not straightforward. Remember to consider your audience and context when using "ambiguous reply", as clear communication is usually preferable, and an ambiguous reply should be intentional for stylistic or strategic reasons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear response

This alternative emphasizes the lack of clarity in the reply.

vague answer

This option highlights the indefinite nature of the response.

equivocal answer

Uses a more formal term to describe a response with uncertain meaning.

indefinite response

Focuses on the lack of specific detail in the reply.

evasive answer

Suggests the reply is intentionally avoiding a direct or clear statement.

noncommittal response

This phrase indicates a lack of commitment or firm opinion in the reply.

uncertain answer

Highlights the doubt or lack of certainty conveyed in the response.

obscure response

Indicates the reply is difficult to understand or interpret.

dubious reply

This suggests the response is questionable or suspect in its clarity or intent.

murky answer

Conveys a sense of opacity or lack of transparency in the response.

FAQs

What does "ambiguous reply" mean?

An "ambiguous reply" is a response that is unclear, open to multiple interpretations, or lacks a definite meaning. It is a reply that is not easily understood or has a double meaning.

How to use "ambiguous reply" in a sentence?

You can use "ambiguous reply" in sentences like: "His "vague answer" only deepened the mystery" or "The politician gave an "ambiguous reply" when asked about his stance on the new policy."

What can I say instead of "ambiguous reply"?

You can use alternatives like "unclear response", ""vague answer"", or "equivocal answer" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "ambiguous reply" and "evasive answer"?

While both terms describe a lack of clarity, "ambiguous reply" refers to a response that's unclear or open to interpretation unintentionally, whereas "evasive answer" suggests the lack of clarity is intentional, aimed at avoiding a direct response.