apparent ambiguity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apparent ambiguity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations or statements that seem unclear or open to multiple interpretations. Example: "The apparent ambiguity in the contract led to confusion among the parties involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But re-reading Locke also reveals the apparent ambiguity of his uses of the phrase "all men," which is echoed so powerfully in the Declaration of Independence.

Harvard University

This apparent ambiguity is resolved by the fact that one of the two directions applies to the force on a moving positive charge while the other direction applies to the force on a moving negative charge.

Britannica

It is all too easy to notice an apparent ambiguity, but often all too difficult to explain its nature.

SEP

In this respect, pragmatics explains how language users are able to overcome apparent ambiguity, since the meaning relies on the manner, place, time etc., of an utterance.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

Of specific interest is the apparent ambiguity of the evaluative 'hard to mesh' in terms of the specific sub-type of attitude being activated, the nature of the attitudinal target and the exact position of the writer in relation to all this.

Functional Linguistics

The apparent ambiguity of theoretical and experimental findings may in part be due to experimental shortcomings and/or heterogeneity of scales and methods in earlier studies.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In addition, the Sub-Committee maintains a continuous dialog with the clinicians and provides training materials and periodic training exercises with the goal of resolving any apparent ambiguities, arriving at a consensus diagnoses with the respective clinicians in ambiguous cases, ensuring consistent application of diagnostic criteria, and helping to maintain reliability and validity.

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

One final note: even in the domain of scopal ambiguities, there are controversies about whether to treat these apparent ambiguities as ambiguities.

SEP

The article will focus on what the phenomenon is and isn't and deal with some of the interesting factors that confound the easy detection and categorization of apparent ambiguities.

SEP

And yet, there's an alternative reading of Bonnie's apparent racial ambiguity in Monterey.

Huffington Post

Within the newly-generated dataset, 3.6% of the species barcodes conflicted with the assigned morphological taxonomic identification, highlighting both the apparent taxonomic ambiguity among certain groups, and the need for an accelerated and independent taxonomic approach.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apparent ambiguity", ensure that the context clearly indicates whose perspective the ambiguity is apparent from. This helps avoid confusion and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "apparent ambiguity" when the uncertainty is definitively proven and not just perceived. Reserve the phrase for situations where the ambiguity is a matter of interpretation or perception, rather than established fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apparent ambiguity" functions as a noun phrase, where "apparent" modifies "ambiguity". It describes a state or situation characterized by a perceived lack of clarity. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "apparent ambiguity" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes a perceived lack of clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and academic sources, it serves to identify and analyze situations where uncertainty seems to exist, prompting further investigation or clarification. While alternatives like "seeming uncertainty" and "evident vagueness" can be used, it's crucial to use "apparent ambiguity" when the ambiguity is perceived rather than definitively proven. Using the phrase accurately enhances clarity and precision in analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeming uncertainty

Focuses on the uncertainty that is perceived.

evident vagueness

Highlights the lack of precision or clarity that is easily noticed.

ostensible obscurity

Emphasizes the quality of being not easily understood or discovered, as it appears initially.

superficial indistinctness

Highlights the lack of clear boundaries or definition that is only on the surface.

outward uncertainty

Underscores that the uncertainty is what is shown or exists on the outside.

perceived equivocation

Highlights a deliberate use of ambiguous language, as it is understood by the observer.

seeming paradoxical nature

Emphasizes the self-contradictory nature apparent to the observer.

illusory uncertainty

Stresses the deceptive nature of the uncertainty, indicating that it might not be real.

ostensible inscrutability

Highlights the quality of being difficult to understand or interpret, as it appears.

outward ambivalence

Focuses on the conflicting feelings or ideas displayed on the surface.

FAQs

How can I use "apparent ambiguity" in a sentence?

You can use "apparent ambiguity" to describe situations where something seems unclear or open to multiple interpretations. For example: "The "apparent ambiguity" in the contract led to disputes among the parties involved."

What phrases are similar to "apparent ambiguity"?

Alternatives include "seeming uncertainty", "evident vagueness", or "ostensible obscurity", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "apparent ambiguity" in formal writing?

Yes, "apparent ambiguity" is suitable for formal writing. It clearly conveys the idea of a perceived lack of clarity and is commonly used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts.

What is the difference between "ambiguity" and "apparent ambiguity"?

"Ambiguity" refers to a state of uncertainty or inexactness, while "apparent ambiguity" suggests that the ambiguity is perceived or seeming but may not necessarily be an inherent quality. It implies a subjective assessment of the situation.