clear up ambiguity

USAGE SUMMARY

"clear up ambiguity" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain something that is unclear or confusing. Example: The lawyer made sure to clear up ambiguity around the contract, so that everyone had a full understanding.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This article was amended on 21 January to clear up ambiguity surrounding changes made to London buses when Ken Livingstone was mayor.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Federal investigators saw the Leahy anthrax as an opportunity to clear up ambiguities and deepen the analysis.

The New York Times

Mr. Barak, who said he had advised his associates to operate legally, said he welcomed the investigation as a way to clear up ambiguities in the election law.

The New York Times

However, the SEC should clear up ambiguities and ensure that all stakeholders are taken into account in providing guidance on its implementation.

TechCrunch

Evil-revivalists believe that because the concept of evil is harmful or dangerous more philosophical work needs to be done on it to clear up ambiguities and reduce the likelihood of abuse or misuse.

SEP

If ever there was a time for him to clear up the ambiguity, this is it.

The New York Times

He said this would clear up any ambiguity about what the service charge was for.

The Guardian

It's important to clear up some ambiguity in the Clinton rhetoric.

The Guardian

Just to clear up any ambiguity, I'm not a believer, or even agnostic, I'm an atheist (denomination: Jewish).

The New Yorker

Ms. McCaskill said that her legislation should be noncontroversial and that Congress should move rapidly to clear up any ambiguity.

The New York Times

You may be called in, which might only be for a minute or two to confirm you completed the form, or to clear up any ambiguity.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clear up ambiguity", ensure the context indicates what specific ambiguity is being addressed for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "clear up ambiguity" without specifying the source or nature of the ambiguity. Be specific about what needs clarification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear up ambiguity" functions as a phrasal verb, where "clear up" acts as the verb and "ambiguity" serves as the object. It denotes the action of resolving or eliminating uncertainty. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clear up ambiguity" is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of making something more understandable by removing uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While suitable for various contexts, it is frequently found in News & Media. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "resolve uncertainty" or "elucidate the matter". Remember to be specific about the ambiguity being addressed to ensure maximum clarity. The phrase is deemed grammatically correct and frequently used in reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve uncertainty

Focuses on eliminating the state of being uncertain.

clarify confusion

Emphasizes making something easier to understand when there's existing confusion.

eliminate vagueness

Highlights the removal of a lack of clarity or precision.

disambiguate the situation

Focuses on removing the possibility of multiple interpretations.

make it explicit

Shifts focus to making something clearly and plainly expressed.

iron out discrepancies

Suggests smoothing out inconsistencies or differences.

settle doubts

Implies resolving feelings of uncertainty or skepticism.

define precisely

Emphasizes providing a clear and accurate definition.

elucidate the matter

Formal alternative, meaning to make something clear or explain.

rectify obscurity

Highlights correcting or setting right something that is not easily understood.

FAQs

How can I use "clear up ambiguity" in a sentence?

You can use "clear up ambiguity" to describe the act of making something more understandable, for example: "The new regulations aim to "clear up ambiguity" in the tax code".

What's a formal way to say "clear up ambiguity"?

A more formal way to express "clear up ambiguity" is to use phrases like "resolve uncertainty" or "elucidate the matter", depending on the context.

Which is better, "clear up ambiguity" or "clear up ambiguities"?

"Clear up ambiguity" is generally used when referring to a general lack of clarity, while "clear up ambiguities" is used when referring to multiple specific instances of unclear information. The choice depends on the context.

What does it mean to "clear up ambiguity"?

To "clear up ambiguity" means to remove any vagueness or uncertainty, making something easier to understand. It involves clarifying confusing elements to ensure a clear and precise understanding.