far from clear

USAGE SUMMARY

"far from clear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is confusing, ambiguous, or not easily understood. For example, "The instructions were far from clear and I had to ask for help to finish the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's far from clear.

The Economist

This is far from clear".

The New York Times

That seems far from clear.

The Economist

That's far from clear.

The Guardian - Opinion

They're far from clear.

Harvard Business Review

But the result is far from clear.

The New York Times

But that was far from clear.

The New York Times

But this matter is far from clear.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The legal framework is far from clear.

The Guardian

The legal position is far from clear.

The Economist

That is far from clear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "far from clear" to express uncertainty or ambiguity when you want to avoid stating something definitively. It adds a nuanced perspective, suggesting that while something might appear a certain way, the reality is less straightforward.

Common error

Avoid using "far from clear" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "remains uncertain" or "open to question" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far from clear" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, expressing a lack of clarity or certainty. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

18%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "far from clear" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey a lack of clarity or certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and widely accepted phrase suitable for various contexts. Its prevalence in news, academic writing, and encyclopedias highlights its broad applicability. When using this phrase, consider alternative expressions like "not at all clear" or "anything but clear" to add nuance to your writing. Avoiding overuse and understanding its subtle difference from similar terms will enhance your writing's precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not at all clear

Emphasizes the complete lack of clarity, strengthening the original statement.

anything but clear

Highlights that the situation is the opposite of being clear, adding a touch of contrast.

not very clear

Indicates a slight lack of clarity, making it a weaker alternative.

remains uncertain

Shifts the focus to the uncertainty of the situation, rather than the lack of clarity.

open to question

Suggests that the matter is debatable or not yet settled.

subject to interpretation

Implies that different people may understand it differently, emphasizing subjectivity.

shrouded in mystery

Adds a sense of intrigue or secrecy to the lack of clarity.

murky at best

Indicates that the situation is confusing and difficult to understand.

difficult to discern

Focuses on the challenge of understanding or perceiving something accurately.

leaves room for doubt

Suggests that the situation is not convincing or conclusive, allowing for skepticism.

FAQs

How can I use "far from clear" in a sentence?

You can use "far from clear" to indicate that something is uncertain, ambiguous, or not easily understood. For example, "The reasons behind the decision are "far from clear"".

What's the difference between "far from clear" and "unclear"?

"Far from clear" implies a stronger sense of ambiguity or confusion than simply saying something is "unclear". It suggests that there's a significant lack of clarity, not just a minor one.

What can I say instead of "far from clear"?

You can use alternatives like "not very clear", "remains uncertain", or "open to question" depending on the specific context.

Is "far from clear" formal or informal?

"Far from clear" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently used in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversation.