have a hazy notion of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a hazy notion of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a vague or unclear understanding of a concept or idea. Example: "Although I have a hazy notion of the theory, I need to study it further to grasp the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I had a hazy notion that he was a corporal, or a lance-corporal, but it is made quite clear that Hitler had no command over anyone; and he is referred to throughout as "Private Hitler".

The Guardian - Books

I had a hazy notion that he was a corporal, or a lance-corporal, but it is made quite clear that Hitler had no command over anyone; and he is referred to throughout as "Private Hitler".

The Guardian - Books

With such missions, the Special Forces officers are doing what United States troops abroad have regularly done: imprinting images of America on a people who might have only a hazy notion of the nation and its principles.

The New York Times

Unflattering comparisons are a well-worn campaign tactic, and many Americans have only a hazy notion of the tea party movement.

Huffington Post

Despite their close relationship, Bush had only a hazy notion of what role a national security adviser should play.

The New York Times - Books

If you liked electric guitars but hated heavy metal and had even a hazy notion of what Derrida was about, it was a marvellous time.

The Guardian - Books

However, they have, in general, only a hazy notion of the population risk of breast cancer and their own risk in relation to this.

British Journal of Cancer

Behind this was a hazy notion of rolling back time to an Ottoman nirvana of what might have been if Ataturk and the Young Turks – neither much troubled with democracy – had not existed.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's harder still when one learns that Samuels himself seems to have only a hazy notion, at best, as to what kind of counseling services prisoners have access to, if any.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although 70% of the planet is covered by ocean, we really only have a hazy idea about most of the life outside of coastal or estuarine zones.

BBC

But it doesn't help that these days even the literati have a hazy grasp of grammatical structure.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a hazy notion of" when you want to express a vague or incomplete understanding of a concept. Be mindful of the context and ensure that a more precise term isn't necessary for clarity.

Common error

Avoid consistently relying on phrases like "have a hazy notion of" if you can provide more specific details or information. Overusing vague language can weaken your writing and leave readers with an unclear understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a hazy notion of" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of understanding that is not clear or well-defined. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a hazy notion of" is a grammatically sound way to express a vague or unclear understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, though direct and clear language is always valuable. Alternatives such as "have a vague idea of" and "be unclear about" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Be mindful of overusing vague language and strive for clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a vague understanding of

Replaces "hazy notion" with "vague understanding", emphasizing a lack of clarity.

have a blurred idea of

Substitutes "hazy notion" with "blurred idea", highlighting the indistinct nature of the understanding.

be unclear about

Offers a more direct expression of a lack of understanding, omitting the "notion" aspect.

be uncertain about

Focuses on the lack of certainty regarding the concept.

have a sketchy grasp of

Indicates a basic, incomplete understanding, using "sketchy grasp" instead of "hazy notion".

have a faint idea of

Emphasizes the weak or indistinct nature of the idea.

have a loose sense of

Suggests an approximate or general understanding, replacing "hazy notion" with "loose sense".

be dimly aware of

Highlights a weak or limited awareness of something, rather than a clear understanding.

lack a clear understanding of

Directly states the absence of a clear understanding.

have a confused perception of

Suggests a muddled or unclear perception, emphasizing confusion.

FAQs

How can I use "have a hazy notion of" in a sentence?

You can use "have a hazy notion of" to express that someone has a vague or unclear understanding of something. For example, "I "have a hazy notion of" quantum physics, but I need to study it further".

What can I say instead of "have a hazy notion of"?

You can use alternatives like "have a vague idea of", "have a blurred understanding of", or "be unclear about" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "have a hazy notion of" or "have a clear understanding of"?

The choice depends on the context. Use ""have a hazy notion of"" when you want to convey a lack of clarity. Use "have a clear understanding of" when you want to indicate a complete and accurate comprehension.

What's the difference between "have a hazy notion of" and "have a strong grasp of"?

"Have a hazy notion of" suggests a vague or incomplete understanding, while "have a strong grasp of" implies a solid and comprehensive understanding.