equivocal statements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equivocal statements" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to statements that are ambiguous or open to multiple interpretations. Example: "The politician's equivocal statements left the public confused about his true stance on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But in these times, especially following the equivocal statements made by President Trump on the violence in Charlottesville, the very concept of "both sides" may approach moral peril (to say nothing of the fact that Trump himself has boasted of sexual assault).

The New Yorker

He noted, among a long list of circumstantial evidence, the unusual late hours Dr. Ivins spent alone in his lab in the days leading up to the two anthrax mailings and a recorded conversation with a colleague in which Dr. Ivins made equivocal statements about whether he was involved in the anthrax mailings.

The New York Times

The forthright tone of Secretary Clinton's remarks was in welcome contrast to some of the administration's earlier and more equivocal statements about human rights and democracy.

Huffington Post

Nine subjects were discarded post-hoc due to equivocal statements on substance abuse, self-determined abort during the stressor application, task default or artifactual recordings.

Plosone

All of the participants had positive attitudes toward exercise; however, some equivocal statements appeared concerning the undertaking of the exercise sessions.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The National Weather Service, meanwhile, issued an equivocal statement in which it said that it had "no opinion about private weather enterprise products and services".

The New Yorker

"I apologise to my Jewish compatriots for my equivocal statement," he said.Either way, Jobbik is out of tune with its potential allies across Europe.

The Economist

Results were considered "equivocal" when statements on statistical significance were absent or when multiple results with mixed significance were reported.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

"The statements were equivocal and showed not everybody was in agreement," said Father Bullock, one of the founders of a new group, the Boston Priests Forum, a professional association.

The New York Times

Morell's statement was equivocal on whether "enhanced interrogations" had produced information critical to finding bin Laden.

Huffington Post

Generally, statements were rated equivocal or necessary with only a very small number rated unnecessary or unfeasible.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "equivocal statements", ensure the context clearly indicates the ambiguity or intent to avoid a definitive stance. This is especially useful in sensitive or diplomatic communications where a firm commitment might be premature or undesirable.

Common error

Avoid assuming "equivocal statements" are inherently wrong. They often reflect a strategic choice to remain neutral or explore multiple perspectives, rather than a factual error or misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equivocal statements" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to refer to declarations that are ambiguous, uncertain, or open to multiple interpretations. Examples show the phrase describing political stances or scientific results.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "equivocal statements" refers to ambiguous or non-committal declarations and is grammatically correct. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. The phrase is more frequent in formal register contexts and used to describe a lack of clarity or commitment. While not exceedingly common, its use is well-established, as supported by the numerous examples from reputable sources. When using this phrase, consider its neutrality and potential to convey strategic ambiguity, while being mindful of potential misinterpretations. You can consider using alternative phrases like "ambiguous remarks" or "vague pronouncements" for similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambiguous remarks

Replaces "statements" with "remarks" to offer a slightly less formal alternative.

vague pronouncements

Substitutes "equivocal" with "vague" and "statements" with "pronouncements", emphasizing the lack of clarity in the declarations.

hedged declarations

Replaces "equivocal" with "hedged", highlighting the cautious and non-committal nature of the statements, also replacing "statements" with "declarations".

indefinite assertions

Uses "indefinite" to describe the lack of clarity and precision in the "assertions".

uncertain claims

Emphasizes the doubtfulness of the "claims" made, similar to "equivocal".

qualified statements

Highlights that the statements are limited or conditional, implying a lack of straightforwardness.

tenuous assertions

Suggests that the assertions are weak or not well-supported, thus lacking certainty.

noncommittal statements

Focuses on the lack of commitment or clear position in the statements.

guarded pronouncements

Highlights the cautious and reserved nature of the pronouncements, suggesting a deliberate ambiguity.

unclear remarks

Replaces "equivocal" with "unclear", which is a more straightforward way of saying that the remarks are not easily understood.

FAQs

How can I use "equivocal statements" in a sentence?

You can use "equivocal statements" to describe situations where someone is intentionally vague or non-committal. For example, "The politician's "equivocal statements" on the new policy left many voters uncertain about their stance."

What are some alternatives to "equivocal statements"?

Alternatives include "ambiguous remarks", "vague pronouncements", or "hedged declarations", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "equivocal statements"?

It's appropriate to use "equivocal statements" when you want to describe declarations that are deliberately open to interpretation, often to avoid commitment or to appeal to multiple viewpoints. This tactic is often employed in politics or diplomacy.

What distinguishes "equivocal statements" from outright lies?

"Equivocal statements" are characterized by ambiguity and a lack of directness, while outright lies involve deliberate falsehoods. An "equivocal statement" might be technically true but misleading, while a lie is inherently untrue.