an ambiguous statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ambiguous statement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a statement that has multiple interpretations or meanings, leading to confusion or uncertainty. Example: "The politician's remarks were criticized for being an ambiguous statement that left voters unsure of his true position on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

However this did not prevent his death," she said during an ambiguous statement which did not specify how many stun guns were fired.

Independent

Their minor scuffles with controversy have been pored over - a plagarised cookie recipe and an ambiguous statement about national pride to date.

The Guardian

China's foreign ministry hinted at a possible face-saving deal in an ambiguous statement saying the blind activist could apply to study abroad like other citizens.

The Guardian

In June 2011, senior producer Arnar Gylfason delivered an ambiguous statement, comparing the pixelated monocles to $1000 jeans and questioning whether people should buy clothes in real life at all.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Discussions were led by the participants themselves, with DT flexibly guiding focus groups and interviews by occasionally probing for more information, clarifying any ambiguous statements, encouraging the discussion to stay on track, and providing an opportunity for all participants in the focus groups to contribute to the discussion.

BMJ Open

On Tuesday, the Federal Open Market Committee sent investors scurrying with an unusually ambiguous statement hinting at continued low rates and a gradual tightening of policy next year.

The New York Times

I think it was an intentionally ambiguous statement.

The New York Times

That's a pretty ambiguous statement, what does it mean to you? Deserts are an ideal landscape in which to place a lone figure, and the sense of loneliness of the person is reflected in that sort of setting as well.

Vice

The interior minister, Rehman Malik, issued a typically ambiguous statement, telling reporters outside parliament that the government would defend the disgraced cricketers "if they are found innocent".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an ambiguous statement", ensure that the context clarifies why the statement is ambiguous and what potential interpretations exist. This provides the reader with a clearer understanding of the issue at hand.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a statement as "an ambiguous statement" without providing any context or explanation of what makes it unclear. This leaves the reader without a clear understanding of the problem.

Linguistic Context

"An ambiguous statement" functions as a noun phrase, with "ambiguous" modifying the noun "statement". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and frequently used in different contexts, like in the Ludwig examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ambiguous statement" is a phrase used to describe a statement that is open to multiple interpretations, often intentionally. Ludwig AI indicates that it's correct and usable in English. This phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's important to clarify the source and specific interpretations of the ambiguity. Alternatives include "a vague declaration" or "an unclear assertion". Avoid using the phrase without providing context to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vague declaration

Replaces "ambiguous statement" with words suggesting lack of clarity.

an unclear assertion

Substitutes words emphasizing the absence of clarity in the assertion.

an equivocal remark

Changes the term to a more formal word implying the open to two or more interpretations nature of the remark.

a cryptic message

Emphasizes the hidden or obscure nature of the message.

a double meaning

Focuses on the existence of two possible interpretations.

a poorly defined position

Shifts the emphasis to the lack of clear definition in the position.

an indefinite pronouncement

Replaces words suggesting the uncertain nature of the pronouncement.

an obscure communication

Highlights the difficulty in understanding the communication.

a questionable assertion

Changes the focus to the validity and truthness of the statement.

an imprecise expression

Shifts the emphasis to the lack of precision in the expression.

FAQs

How can I use "an ambiguous statement" in a sentence?

You can use "an ambiguous statement" to describe a declaration that is open to multiple interpretations. For example, "The politician's response was "an ambiguous statement" that failed to address the core issue".

What's the difference between "an ambiguous statement" and "a vague statement"?

While both terms describe a lack of clarity, "an ambiguous statement" specifically implies that the statement has multiple possible meanings, while a vague statement lacks clear definition or detail.

What can I say instead of "an ambiguous statement"?

You can use alternatives like "an unclear assertion", "a vague declaration", or "an equivocal remark" depending on the context.

Why are some statements intentionally "an ambiguous statement"?

Sometimes, speakers or writers intentionally use "an ambiguous statement" to avoid committing to a specific position, to appeal to multiple audiences, or to maintain flexibility in their interpretation of events.