created ambiguity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "created ambiguity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations, statements, or actions that lead to confusion or uncertainty in meaning. Example: "The new policy created ambiguity among employees regarding their responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But Mr. Rosenthal decided that the more troublesome result of the proctors' presence was that it created ambiguity around cheating.

The New York Times

Lawyers say this difference has created ambiguity and left financial professionals unsure about what they are able to share with clients.

The New York Times

However, the generalization of questions created ambiguity, which resulted in poor usability.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

But the councils said a suggestion that the ultimate target could be as few as six has created ambiguity.

BBC

Analysis of the answers revealed that the generalization of question created ambiguity and answer lengths contained large variations.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

We found the use of the term "borderline" created ambiguity for both staff and students, resulting in staff using the term in a range of situations: when the decision was difficult, if there was a paucity of data, or if there was uncertainty about the validity of the assessments.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A review of MedQuist's billing methods by Debevoise & Plimpton and PricewaterhouseCoopers found that the way MedQuist billed for services created ambiguities in how client accounts were calculated and led to incorrect billing.

The New York Times

Genomic regions that are identical or highly similar to one another create ambiguity in alignment to the genome, and ambiguous reads are generally discarded.

Genome Medicine

But changing identity can create ambiguity.

The New York Times

The perennial trouble with Wagner is that he creates ambiguity and certitude in equal measure.

The New Yorker

We know that Isis likes to create ambiguity, anxiety and uncertainty.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "created ambiguity", ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the ambiguity. Specify the subject or action responsible for generating the uncertainty to maintain clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "created ambiguity" without specifying what exactly produced the ambiguity. Failing to identify the source leaves readers guessing and undermines the effectiveness of your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "created ambiguity" functions as a verb phrase where "created" is the past tense of the verb "create" and "ambiguity" is the noun that names what was created. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "created ambiguity" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations where something has caused a lack of clarity or certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct. It's most commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources. While alternatives such as "caused confusion" or "led to uncertainty" exist, it's essential to specify the source of the ambiguity for effective communication. Remember to clearly state what produced the ambiguity to avoid leaving your readers confused.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generated uncertainty

Replaces "ambiguity" with "uncertainty" emphasizing a lack of sureness, which is conceptually similar.

injected ambiguity

Implies deliberately adding ambiguity into a situation or statement.

caused confusion

Focuses on the mental state of being unclear or perplexed, instead of the state of being ambiguous.

led to vagueness

Emphasizes the lack of precision or detail, a facet of ambiguity.

introduced obscurity

Highlights the act of making something difficult to perceive or understand.

bred doubt

Focuses on instilling a feeling of uncertainty or skepticism.

fostered equivocation

Implies a deliberate use of ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid commitment.

prompted misinterpretation

Highlights the consequence of ambiguity, which is incorrect understanding.

engendered opacity

Stresses the lack of transparency or clarity, akin to ambiguity.

sparked bewilderment

Focuses on the resulting state of being perplexed or confused.

FAQs

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

You can use "created ambiguity" to describe situations where something has caused confusion or a lack of clarity. For example, "The vague wording of the contract created ambiguity about payment terms."

What are some alternatives to "created ambiguity"?

Alternatives include "caused confusion", "led to uncertainty", or "generated doubt" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to avoid phrases that "created ambiguity"?

In most contexts, clarity is preferred. However, sometimes ambiguity can be intentionally used for literary or rhetorical effect. Be mindful of your audience and purpose.

What's the difference between "created ambiguity" and "created confusion"?

"Created ambiguity" refers to a lack of clear meaning, while "created confusion" refers to a state of being bewildered or unclear in one's understanding. Ambiguity can lead to confusion, but they aren't always the same.