ambiguous statement

USAGE SUMMARY

"ambiguous statement" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a statement or phrase that has more than one possible interpretation, creating confusion or uncertainty about its intended meaning. Example: The politician's speech was full of ambiguous statements, leaving the audience unsure of his true intentions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

I think it was an intentionally ambiguous statement.

The New York Times

The e-bike is "an ambiguous statement," Mr. Benjamin said.

The New York Times

The ambiguous statement did not exactly exonerate Johnson.

The New York Times - Sports

"The only facts are that there is an ambiguous statement from ETA".

The New York Times

An ambiguous statement by Cardinal Sergio Sebastiani had suggested that the Pope did receive a salary.

The New York Times

In this, a country at war, I didn't ask after the ambiguous statement.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The Luxembourg-based company is coming out with ambiguous statements.

The Economist

Q.: The president of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, has issued some rather ambiguous statements on AIDS.

The New York Times - Science

Presumably, it was ambiguous statements like this one: "We have a very hostile judge.

The New Yorker

Iran also has faced a steady flow of ambiguous statements from Israel, which regards Iran as its most dangerous enemy, about the possibility of a military strike.

The New York Times

Mr. Doré has given ambiguous statements about running for president, and some worry that he will be reluctant to hold elections in which he is not a candidate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ambiguous statement", be aware of potential misinterpretations. Clarify your message by providing additional context or examples to ensure the intended meaning is understood.

Common error

Don't assume your audience will grasp the intended meaning of an "ambiguous statement". Always follow up with clarifying details to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ambiguous statement" functions as a noun phrase, where "ambiguous" modifies the noun "statement". It serves to characterize a statement as having more than one possible meaning, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ambiguous statement" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a declaration with multiple possible interpretations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When employing or encountering this phrase, it's crucial to recognize the potential for misinterpretation and strive for clarity. Alternatives like "vague declaration" or "equivocal remark" can be used depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vague declaration

Focuses on the lack of clarity in the declaration itself.

equivocal remark

Highlights the remark's potential for multiple interpretations.

unclear assertion

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in the assertion.

dubious pronouncement

Suggests the pronouncement is questionable or uncertain.

enigmatic message

Emphasizes the mysterious or puzzling nature of the message.

opaque communication

Highlights the lack of transparency or understandability in the communication.

imprecise wording

Focuses on the lack of exactness in the choice of words.

nebulous claim

Suggests the claim is ill-defined and lacks concrete detail.

indistinct articulation

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in the way something is expressed.

tenuous explanation

Highlights the weakness or lack of solidity in the explanation.

FAQs

What does "ambiguous statement" mean?

An "ambiguous statement" is a phrase or declaration that has multiple possible interpretations, leading to uncertainty or confusion about the intended meaning.

How can I avoid making ambiguous statements?

Be as clear and specific as possible in your language. Provide context, use precise wording, and avoid generalizations that could be interpreted in different ways. If possible, ask someone to review your statement for potential ambiguities.

What are some alternatives to "ambiguous statement"?

You can use alternatives such as "vague declaration", "equivocal remark", or "unclear assertion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Why is it important to avoid ambiguous statements?

Ambiguous statements can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and unintended consequences. In professional, legal, or critical communication, clarity is essential to ensure everyone is on the same page.