deliberately ambiguous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deliberately ambiguous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been intentionally left open to interpretation, such as a statement that could be taken to mean more than one thing. For example: "Her statement about the situation was deliberately ambiguous, leaving her options for the future open."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is deliberately ambiguous.

The Guardian - Music

The image is deliberately ambiguous.

The New York Times - Arts

The statement was slammed by opposition lawmakers as deliberately ambiguous.

The Guardian

The film portrays Lydia in a deliberately ambiguous fashion.

Independent

The furnishings in those rooms are deliberately ambiguous.

Harvard Business Review

But he has left deliberately ambiguous how he defines "tolerate".

The New York Times

Worse, some of his statements have appeared deliberately ambiguous.

The Guardian - Business

So the 'we' in the title is deliberately ambiguous.

The Guardian - Books

I wanted to make him deliberately ambiguous, but I think that I made him too ambiguous".

The New Yorker

On being asked about it later, Father Nalieth said he had been deliberately ambiguous.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

ODN's title is deliberately ambiguous; the "nation" could be the UK or Scotland.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deliberately ambiguous" when you want to convey that a lack of clarity is intentional, often to allow for multiple interpretations or to avoid commitment to a specific position.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse unintentional vagueness or lack of clarity with a situation where ambiguity is intentionally created for strategic purposes. Ensure the context supports the idea of a conscious choice to be ambiguous before using the phrase "deliberately ambiguous".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deliberately ambiguous" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. It describes something that is intentionally open to multiple interpretations or meanings. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deliberately ambiguous" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something intentionally left open to multiple interpretations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. This phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources, indicating its versatility across different contexts. Alternatives such as "intentionally vague" or "purposely equivocal" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely supports the idea of a conscious choice to be ambiguous, rather than unintentional lack of clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intentionally vague

Focuses on the lack of clarity being intentional.

purposely equivocal

Highlights the intent to use language that can be interpreted in multiple ways.

consciously unclear

Emphasizes the awareness of the lack of clarity.

knowingly misleading

Suggests a deliberate attempt to deceive through ambiguity.

designedly indefinite

Implies that the ambiguity was a planned part of the design.

calculatedly obscure

Highlights the strategic use of obscurity.

artfully ambivalent

Suggests a skilled or clever use of ambiguity.

studiedly uncertain

Implies a careful and deliberate cultivation of uncertainty.

willfully imprecise

Emphasizes a stubborn or intentional lack of precision.

obfuscated on purpose

Highlights the act of making something unclear with a specific goal in mind.

FAQs

How can I use "deliberately ambiguous" in a sentence?

You can use "deliberately ambiguous" to describe statements, actions, or artistic choices that are intentionally open to multiple interpretations. For example, "The politician's response was "deliberately ambiguous" to avoid alienating any voters".

What's a good alternative for "deliberately ambiguous"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases like "intentionally vague", "purposely equivocal", or "consciously unclear". Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it ever a good idea to be "deliberately ambiguous"?

Yes, in certain situations, being "deliberately ambiguous" can be a strategic choice. This might be useful in negotiations, diplomacy, or creative writing where multiple interpretations are desired or necessary.

What's the difference between "deliberately ambiguous" and simply being unclear?

"Deliberately ambiguous" implies a conscious choice to create uncertainty or multiple meanings. Simply being unclear, on the other hand, suggests a lack of clarity that is unintentional or due to poor communication.