anything but clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anything but clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or statement that is confusing or ambiguous, indicating that clarity is lacking. Example: "The instructions provided were anything but clear, leaving the team unsure of how to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

PAGE F1 ANYTHING BUT CLEAR The architecture of atoms and molecules in glass, like stained-glass windows in old churches, is indistinguishable from that of a liquid.

The New York Times

The way ahead is anything but clear.

The Economist

Resolving those issues is anything but clear.

The New York Times

The answer is anything but clear.

The Guardian

But the implications are anything but clear.

The New York Times

But the real impact is anything but clear.

The New York Times

Still, the path to the nomination is anything but clear for Mr. Levy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The legal position is anything but clear-cut.

The Guardian

As his hesitant delivery suggests, D H H's motives are anything but clear-cut.

The New York Times

In reality, of course, race in America has been anything but clear-cut.

The New York Times - Magazine

It can seem these choices are binary, the ultimate either/or, but the decisions parents have to make about intervening in their children's biology are anything but clear-cut.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "anything but clear", ensure the context is well-established. This phrase works best when the expectation is that something should be clear, but it isn't.

Common error

While "anything but clear" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider using more precise alternatives like "ambiguous", "opaque", or "lacking specificity" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anything but clear" functions as a qualifier, emphasizing the absence of clarity. Ludwig AI indicates this usage aligns with standard grammar and is commonly employed in various contexts to express a strong negative assertion about the clarity of a situation or statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "anything but clear" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that emphatically conveys a lack of clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase functions as a qualifier to express definitive ambiguity or confusion. It is versatile, appearing frequently in news and media, and is appropriate for neutral registers. To enhance your writing, remember to use "anything but clear" when you want to emphasize a distinct absence of clarity, and consider the context to avoid overuse in overly formal writing. Alternatives like "far from clear" or "ambiguous" can provide stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far from clear

Direct synonym, emphasizes the distance from being clear.

not at all clear

Strong synonym highlighting the complete absence of clarity.

anything but straightforward

Highlights complexity rather than just lack of clarity.

murky

Implies that the information is obscured and difficult to understand.

ambiguous

Emphasizes the possibility of multiple interpretations.

obscure

Suggests the information is hidden or not easily accessible.

vague

Implies a lack of precision or detail.

uncertain

Focuses on the lack of certainty or definiteness.

devoid of clarity

Formal way to express the complete absence of clarity.

difficult to discern

Emphasizes the challenge in understanding or perceiving something.

FAQs

How can I use "anything but clear" in a sentence?

Use "anything but clear" to emphasize that something is definitely not clear or easily understood. For example, "The instructions were "anything but clear", leaving us confused."

What's a more formal way to say "anything but clear"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "lacking clarity", "opaque", or "ambiguous" instead of "anything but clear".

What does "anything but clear" mean?

"Anything but clear" means something is definitely not clear, easy to understand, or straightforward. It implies a strong absence of clarity.

Is it correct to say "everything but clear"?

No, "everything but clear" is not a standard or idiomatic phrase. The correct and commonly used phrase is ""anything but clear"", which means not clear at all.