deliberately unclear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deliberately unclear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is intentionally vague or ambiguous, often to avoid giving a clear answer or to create confusion. Example: "The politician's statement was deliberately unclear, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Where it takes us is deliberately unclear.

The Guardian - Film

The movie leaves deliberately unclear exactly what Rene remembers and what he forgets.

The New York Times

Santo Loquasto's designs suggest deliberately unclear and fractured views of various dark landscapes.

The New York Times - Arts

A section of a painting can be enlarged or miniaturized so that its origin is deliberately unclear.

The New York Times

He also left it deliberately unclear whether he would meet with Yasir Arafat when he goes to the Middle East next week.

The New York Times

But the exact extent of what is forbidden is left deliberately unclear, and that vagueness encourages fear and self-censorship, many journalists here say.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

What he will do in this piece, which he will perform with Paula S?hez, a member of Nederlands Dans Theater, is -- perhaps deliberately -- unclear from the press materials.

The New York Times

Yet how to apply that therapy deliberately remains unclear.

The New York Times

Mr. Fitzpatrick said if Israel's obvious red-lines were known to Iran — Iranian expulsion of U.N. nuclear inspectors from its territory or its renunciation the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, for example — the nature of other tripwires that could unleash an attack were deliberately kept unclear by the Israelis.

The New York Times

Whether the Swedish brand's designers inadvertently took inspiration from the charity's style or borrowed more deliberately is unclear".

Vice

MacLaren filmed the shot so it would be deliberately disorienting and unclear to the viewer where Walter was until the camera movement revealed the motel room.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deliberately unclear" when you want to emphasize that a lack of clarity is intentional, often to create ambiguity or avoid commitment. This can be effective in fiction or diplomacy.

Common error

Avoid using "deliberately unclear" as a substitute for direct language. Overusing passive voice can weaken your writing and obscure the actor responsible for the lack of clarity. Instead of saying "the instructions were deliberately unclear", consider "the author made the instructions deliberately unclear".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deliberately unclear" functions primarily as an adverb-adjective combination modifying a noun. It describes a quality or state that is intentionally lacking in clarity. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable and appropriate in written English. The examples illustrate its use in describing intentionally vague statements or situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Arts

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "deliberately unclear" is a grammatically correct and semantically rich expression used to describe intentional ambiguity or vagueness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid phrase suitable for various writing contexts. Found primarily in News & Media and Arts, the phrase implies a calculated lack of clarity. To enhance your writing, use "deliberately unclear" to show when information is intentionally not straightforward, but avoid overusing it to the point where your writing becomes convoluted. Consider alternatives like "intentionally ambiguous" or "purposely vague" to add variety and nuance to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intentionally ambiguous

Replaces "deliberately" with "intentionally" and "unclear" with "ambiguous", emphasizing the intent to create ambiguity.

purposely vague

Substitutes "deliberately" with "purposely" and "unclear" with "vague", highlighting the purposeful creation of vagueness.

calculatedly ambiguous

Emphasizes the calculated nature of the ambiguity.

strategically obscure

Highlights the strategic intent behind the obscurity.

equivocal by design

Replaces "unclear" with "equivocal" and highlights that this state is intentional by design.

intentionally left unsaid

Focuses on the aspect of omission to create a lack of clarity.

obfuscated on purpose

Uses "obfuscated" to indicate the act of making something unclear, emphasizing the purposeful action.

designed to mislead

Shifts the focus to the deceptive intent behind the lack of clarity.

meant to be misinterpreted

Focuses on the intention to cause misinterpretation through the lack of clarity.

artificially muddled

Implies that the lack of clarity is created artificially.

FAQs

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

You can use "deliberately unclear" to describe something intentionally vague or ambiguous, for example: "The politician's statement was "deliberately unclear", leaving room for interpretation."

What phrases are similar to "deliberately unclear"?

Alternatives include "intentionally vague", "purposely ambiguous", or "strategically obscure", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of intentional lack of clarity.

Is it ever appropriate to be "deliberately unclear" in writing?

Yes, it can be appropriate when you need to create suspense, avoid revealing sensitive information, or allow for multiple interpretations. However, ensure it serves a clear purpose and doesn't simply confuse the reader.

What is the difference between "deliberately unclear" and simply "unclear"?

"Unclear" means something lacks clarity, while ""deliberately unclear"" specifies that the lack of clarity is intentional. The first could be unintentional, while the second is a calculated choice.