clarifying ambiguity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clarifying ambiguity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of making something unclear more understandable or resolving confusion in communication. Example: "The team held a meeting focused on clarifying ambiguity in the project requirements to ensure everyone was on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The importance of this topic has stimulated research into the problems of clarifying ambiguity and classifying terms used in the sustainability field.

Journal of Cleaner Production

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It also improves the quality of requirements specifications and system designs by clarifying ambiguities and resolving conflicts across these artifacts during the analysis, making a significant step towards ensuring that policies are enforced in a manner consistent with a system's requirements specifications.

Information and Software Technology

Lycopersicoides were completely resolved thereby clarifying ambiguities in previous studies.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

This article was amended on 10 September 2016 to clarify ambiguity in a quotation.

The Guardian

Authors were contacted to clarify ambiguity in the reports and to provide supplementary data if necessary.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

In the case of a discrepancy, objective data, such as biological sign and laboratory results, were used to clarify ambiguity.

Bone Marrow Transplantation

They also asked the judge to order the prosecutor general to withdraw the case for additional investigation to clarify ambiguities.

The New York Times

Nikolas Schiller, the secretary of the D.C. Patients' Cooperative, a nonprofit group that advocates legal medical marijuana, said the amendments would have clarified ambiguities in the bill.

The New York Times

Scrupulously following the path laid down by Mr. Grimbert, a French psychoanalyst who based his book (published in the United States as "Memory") on his family's history, Mr. Miller sets out to solve mysteries and clarify ambiguities.

The New York Times

This is the case because Han scholars reworked the ancient texts to such an extent that no one is quite sure, aside from evident forgeries, how much was deliberately reinterpreted and how much was changed in good faith in an attempt to clarify ambiguities or reconcile contradictions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In this context, formal rigorous models are effective tools to identify and clarify ambiguities.

European Transport Research Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clarifying ambiguity", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being made less ambiguous. Provide specific details or examples to support the clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "clarifying ambiguity" without specifying the source or type of ambiguity. Being specific enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clarifying ambiguity" functions as a gerund phrase modifying a noun, describing an action aimed at resolving or reducing uncertainty. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clarifying ambiguity" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the process of making something less unclear. While Ludwig notes its usability, it's important to consider its relatively low frequency. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what ambiguity is being addressed. Alternatives like "resolving vagueness" or "addressing ambiguity" may offer nuanced alternatives depending on the desired emphasis. While generally neutral to formal, its usage is most appropriate in professional and academic contexts where precision is valued.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearing up confusion

Suggests the removal of disorder in one's understanding.

resolving vagueness

Focuses on eliminating the lack of clarity rather than the process of making it clear.

addressing ambiguity

Implicates directly tackling the ambiguousness and solving the doubt.

illuminating uncertainty

Uses a more metaphorical approach, suggesting the uncertainty is being lit up or revealed.

interpreting uncertainty

Focuses on providing meaning or understanding to something uncertain.

elucidating obscurity

Emphasizes the removal of difficulty in understanding, suggesting the original state was hard to grasp.

defining imprecision

Focuses on setting clear boundaries around something that lacks specific definition.

simplifying complexity

Addresses making complex matters easier to understand.

rectifying indistinctness

Highlights the act of correcting or making something blurred or vague more distinct.

untangling complications

Suggests solving or dealing with any difficulty that involves several elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "clarifying ambiguity" to describe the process of making something less unclear or more understandable. For example, "The project team dedicated a meeting to clarifying ambiguity in the requirements document".

What is a good alternative to "clarifying ambiguity"?

Alternatives include "resolving vagueness", "addressing ambiguity", or "clearing up confusion" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "clarifying ambiguity" or "reducing ambiguity"?

Both phrases are correct, but they emphasize slightly different aspects. "Clarifying ambiguity" focuses on making something clear, while "reducing ambiguity" emphasizes lessening the amount of uncertainty. The best choice depends on the intended nuance.

What does it mean to focus on "clarifying ambiguity"?

Focusing on "clarifying ambiguity" means taking steps to ensure that information, instructions, or concepts are easily understood and free from potential misinterpretations. This might involve providing additional details, examples, or rephrasing unclear statements.