hazy distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hazy distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a vague or unclear difference between two concepts or ideas. Example: "The debate centered around the hazy distinction between freedom of speech and hate speech."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

What is less modern about the Gulf is the hazy distinction between government budgets and royal purses.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

To many Arab minds, it has blurred distinctions between such territorial conflicts and the hazier notion of striking "crusaders" and Muslim "collaborators" elsewhere.More police work, combined with bigger efforts by Muslims themselves, may defeat the jihadis in the long run.

The Economist

Of course these are lean times, but when passing unpopular measures it helps to have a political base something Mr Scott, as a neophyte, lacks.He has also seemed hazy on the distinction between what government and private entities are allowed to do.

The Economist

In practice, however, the distinction is often hazy, as it is the overall concepts that really matter.

The Guardian - Money

We find the distinctions to be hazy.

Environmental Health Perspectives

But with mostly English accents, mostly English educations, and regular trips on the sleeper to London, it is perhaps unsurprising that the distinctions get a bit hazy.

Independent

A new generation of car-truck hybrids is making the distinction between car and truck hazier.

The New York Times

Now that the Republicans have taken extremes like "self-deportation" off the table and legislators like Bob Goodlatte, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, are toning down previously harsh rhetoric on citizenship for undocumented children, the party distinctions on immigration are becoming hazy.

Huffington Post

The excavators seem to be working under supervision, but as they pull classical sculptures and vessels willy-nilly from the earth, the distinction between salvaging and looting feels hazy.

The New York Times - Arts

"The distinction between politics and science was hazy and doctors had the freedom to do as they liked, so long as they could prove that their goal was to breed a super-race of strong soldiers for the advancement of warfare".

The Guardian

Indeed, Mahavishnu Orchestra, a jazz-fusion group led by the English guitarist John McLaughlin (who previously played with Miles Davis), is sometimes considered an honorary prog band — at the time, the distinctions between these genres could be hazy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hazy distinction" to introduce uncertainty to a topic or disagreement with what a person is stating.

Common error

While "hazy distinction" is acceptable, overuse can weaken your writing. In formal contexts, consider using more precise language to clarify the distinction or to explain why the distinction is unclear. Replace it with stronger and more descriptive alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hazy distinction" functions as a noun phrase where "hazy" is an adjective that modifies the noun "distinction". As Ludwig AI explains it, the phrase is used to describe a difference or boundary that is not clear or well-defined.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hazy distinction" refers to an unclear or indistinct difference between two things, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. Ludwig AI confirms this and recommends it to describe a vague or unclear difference between two concepts or ideas. The phrase is found in various contexts, including news, science and encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral register. While not very common, "hazy distinction" is a useful way to express uncertainty about the boundary between two things and a bunch of "blurred line", vague boundary, fuzzy boundary might be used as alternatives to add clarity to your content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blurred line

Emphasizes the lack of a clear boundary between two things.

vague boundary

Highlights the imprecision and lack of clarity in defining a limit.

fuzzy boundary

Suggests an indistinct and unclear separation.

unclear demarcation

Focuses on the lack of a defined separation point.

tenuous separation

Implies a weak or fragile division.

indistinct difference

Highlights the lack of a clear contrast between two things.

subtle distinction

Suggests a difference that is difficult to perceive.

ill-defined boundary

Emphasizes the lack of clear definition in a limit or separation.

nebulous differentiation

Implies a vague and poorly defined separation.

shadowy difference

Suggests a difference that is difficult to discern or understand fully.

FAQs

What does "hazy distinction" mean?

The phrase "hazy distinction" refers to a difference or boundary that is unclear, indistinct, or difficult to perceive. It suggests a lack of clarity or precision in differentiating between two things.

How can I use "hazy distinction" in a sentence?

You can use "hazy distinction" to describe situations where the difference between two concepts, ideas, or categories is not well-defined. For example: "There's a "blurred line" between marketing and propaganda when emotional manipulation is involved".

What are some alternatives to "hazy distinction"?

Some alternatives to "hazy distinction" include ""blurred line"", "vague boundary", "fuzzy boundary", and "unclear demarcation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "hazy distinction" formal or informal?

"Hazy distinction" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal or academic contexts, consider whether a more precise or technical term might be more appropriate.