apparently unambiguous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apparently unambiguous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that seems clear and without ambiguity, based on the information available. Example: "The instructions were apparently unambiguous, yet many still found them confusing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Even where the constitution makes an apparently unambiguous claim, the reality is almost invariably more complicated.

The Economist

Keats offered an apparently unambiguous assessment of his short career when he told his friend Joseph Severn — a young painter who volunteered to accompany him to Rome, and nursed him through his last months — that he did not want his name to appear on his tombstone.

The New Yorker

However, apparently unambiguous assignments of those sequences are nevertheless critical due to the above mentioned problems.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Numerous short fragments of the nad5 gene scattered throughout mitochondrial contigs apparently prevent unambiguous assembly of the full-length copy, even upon manual contig graph analysis.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Apparently, it revealed that unambiguous protein identification was achieved using the ProFound tool.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The anti-effeminate have very little else to suggest by way of practical action — except making those unambiguous threats and, apparently, baring your teeth while you do.

The New Yorker

All identified potato HyPRPs, except St15 (which is apparently N-terminally truncated), possess an unambiguous N-terminal secretion signal.

BMC Genomics

Despite the apparently universal wish of Council members to give an unambiguous United Nations mandate to such an intervention, first called for by Secretary General Kofi Annan a month ago, a single paragraph in the final text of the resolution prompted three abstentions.

The New York Times

Apparently, it is one of those German words that defy an unambiguous translation into other languages.

SEP

Apparently, the data and analytical procedures of our study did not yield an unambiguous solution of the question whether or not Coleopterida is a monophyletic group.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

John Walsh, apparently confused by the Ogden memo, has concluded that he can prosecute those who are in "clear and unambiguous compliance" with Colorado law as stated in the Ogden memorandum.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apparently unambiguous" to introduce a statement or situation that seems clear but might have hidden complexities or potential for misinterpretation. It's effective when you want to highlight a contrast between perceived clarity and underlying ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "apparently unambiguous" when you are absolutely certain about the clarity of a situation. The word "apparently" suggests a degree of uncertainty or a need for further scrutiny.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apparently unambiguous" functions as a modifier, typically used to qualify a noun or clause. It suggests a perceived or superficial lack of ambiguity, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, while hinting at possible underlying complexities or uncertainties. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from constitutions to scientific assignments.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apparently unambiguous" is a phrase used to describe situations that seem clear and straightforward but might not be upon closer examination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct, although relatively rare in usage. The phrase functions as a modifier, conveying a sense of potential hidden complexities. It's best suited for neutral to formal contexts. Related phrases include "seemingly clear" and "ostensibly straightforward", offering nuanced alternatives for expressing perceived clarity with underlying uncertainties. Remember to use it when you want to introduce a contrast between perceived clarity and underlying ambiguity, and avoid it when you are absolutely certain about the clarity of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seemingly clear

Emphasizes the surface-level clarity, potentially masking deeper ambiguities.

apparently clear-cut

Similar to "apparently unambiguous" but uses "clear-cut" for emphasis.

ostensibly straightforward

Highlights that something appears simple but might not be so in reality.

ostensibly clear

Focuses on the impression of clarity while acknowledging possible hidden issues.

on the face of it, clear

Indicates initial clarity which may be deceptive upon closer inspection.

evidently unambiguous

Implies that the lack of ambiguity is based on available evidence, but isn't necessarily absolute.

superficially unambiguous

Focuses on the lack of ambiguity only at a superficial level.

presumptively clear

Indicates clarity based on presumption, which may be challenged or proven wrong.

outwardly clear

Suggests an external appearance of clarity that might not reflect the true situation.

allegedly unambiguous

Suggests a claimed lack of ambiguity that might be questioned or disputed.

FAQs

How can I use "apparently unambiguous" in a sentence?

You can use "apparently unambiguous" to describe situations where something appears clear at first glance but might not be upon closer inspection. For example, "The instructions were "apparently unambiguous", yet many still struggled to follow them."

What is a good alternative to "apparently unambiguous"?

Alternatives include "seemingly clear", "ostensibly straightforward", or "on the face of it, clear". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "apparently unambiguous" grammatically correct?

Yes, "apparently unambiguous" is grammatically correct. "Apparently" is an adverb modifying the adjective "unambiguous".

What does "apparently" add to the meaning of "unambiguous"?

"Apparently" introduces an element of subjectivity or potential deception. It suggests that something seems unambiguous based on the available information but could be otherwise upon closer examination. It's not the same as simply saying something is unambiguous.