creating ambiguity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "creating ambiguity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations, language, or actions that lead to unclear or vague interpretations. Example: "The author's use of metaphor in the poem is effective, but it also risks creating ambiguity that may confuse readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

However, by 2002 the partnership between Antinori and Zavos had dissolved, creating ambiguity as to the fate of the project.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The two words come from different Germanic roots, though you may well ask why we bother to spell them differently when we say them the same without creating ambiguity.

Independent

The British-accented voice in that recording used the phrases "exclusive, votive-lit hideaway," "hand-crafted" and "custom-made" in the span of 30 seconds, and mentioned an "1890s Napoleon brick oven," creating ambiguity about whether an Italian region or French emperor was being referenced.

The New York Times - Food

To confuse matters more, some ticket-sweeping technology is now more advanced than bots and not yet criminalized, creating ambiguity in the definition of a tout.

Vice

To confuse matters more, some ticket-sweeping technology is now more advanced than bots and not yet criminalised, creating ambiguity in the definition of a tout.

Vice

However, a movement of the cupula will depolarize half of the hair cells and hyperpolarize the remaining half simultaneously, creating ambiguity in the resolution of stimulus polarity.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "creating ambiguity", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the ambiguity and why it matters. For example, "The poorly defined terms are creating ambiguity in the contract, potentially leading to legal disputes."

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "creating ambiguity" without explaining what is unclear or how it impacts understanding. Provide concrete examples or clarify the source of the confusion to enhance the sentence's informativeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "creating ambiguity" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples illustrate how it describes the action of causing a lack of clarity or multiple possible interpretations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "creating ambiguity" describes the action of causing something to be unclear or open to multiple interpretations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suggests that its frequency is uncommon. Predominantly used in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, it serves to identify the introduction of uncertainty. While clarity is generally preferred, ambiguity can sometimes be a deliberate stylistic choice. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly explains what is creating the ambiguity and its impact. Alternative phrases include "generating uncertainty" or "fostering confusion", depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generating uncertainty

Focuses on the outcome of a lack of sureness, rather than the act of making something ambiguous.

fostering confusion

Emphasizes the development of a state of being perplexed or unclear.

promoting vagueness

Highlights the quality of lacking precision or detail.

inducing obscurity

Stresses the action of bringing about a state of being unclear or hidden.

raising doubts

Implies the generation of questions or uncertainties in someone's mind.

introducing imprecision

Highlights the introduction of inexactness or a lack of accuracy.

complicating matters

Emphasizes making a situation more intricate and difficult to understand.

clouding the issue

Uses a metaphor to describe making something less clear or understandable.

muddying the waters

Similar to clouding the issue, but suggests deliberate obfuscation.

obscuring the facts

Focuses on hiding or making the truth less apparent.

FAQs

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

You can use "creating ambiguity" to describe actions, situations, or language that leads to a lack of clarity or multiple possible interpretations. For example, "The author's vague descriptions are "creating ambiguity" about the protagonist's true motives."

What are some alternatives to "creating ambiguity"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "generating uncertainty", "fostering confusion", or "promoting vagueness" as alternatives to "creating ambiguity".

Is it better to avoid "creating ambiguity" in writing?

Not always. While clarity is usually desirable, sometimes "creating ambiguity" can be a deliberate stylistic choice, particularly in literature or art, to encourage multiple interpretations or to reflect the inherent uncertainty of a situation. However, in technical or legal writing, it's generally best to avoid "creating ambiguity".

What's the difference between "creating ambiguity" and "causing confusion"?

"Creating ambiguity" implies that something is open to multiple interpretations, while "causing confusion" suggests that something is difficult to understand. While related, ambiguity doesn't always lead to confusion, and confusion can arise even when there isn't inherent ambiguity. For example, a complex explanation might cause confusion even if it's not actually "creating ambiguity".