imprecise instructions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imprecise instructions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to instructions that are unclear or not specific enough to be easily followed. Example: "The imprecise instructions led to confusion among the team members, resulting in mistakes during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Written scores are imperfect documents, filled with imprecise instructions and loopholes.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A serious food writer lives in fear of ruining somebody's meal with an imprecise instruction.

Huffington Post

The optimal dosage of salbutamol in children is contested [ 7, 8] and imprecise dosing instructions may lead to DRP.

BMC Health Services Research

When the action moves to the explosive core of the plot, Joe Bang gives a little chemistry lecture, illustrated in chalk on cinderblock walls, complete with formulas, and when Jimmy's a little imprecise with his instructions, he reminds him, "We're dealing with science here".

The New Yorker

Isadora Duncan's soft-armed prance, Mary Wigman's Hexentanz and Pina Bausch's crash against the chairs in Café Müller become the instructions for looping reconstructions on stage; imprecise, hurried, endless, getting worse from tiredness rather than improving with practice.

The Guardian

Moreover, even in the most frequently cited studies and validated techniques, instructions regarding the location of portal placement remain imprecise [ 3, 5].

BMC Veterinary Research

Initial FBI pushback gave way to an inquiry, at the instruction of the White House, that removed significant quantities of offensive or imprecise training material.

The Guardian

The rubric assigned: 3 points to a behavior that was correct and as accurate as we would expect after instruction in an introductory biology course; 2 points to a behavior that was imprecise, poorly worded, or ambiguous but not obviously incorrect; 1 point to a biologically incorrect, unacceptable behavior or to an unlabeled arrow.

CBE Life Sciences Education

(The records are imprecise).

The New York Times

That is too imprecise.

The Guardian - Sport

It's imprecise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "imprecise instructions", ensure you provide context or examples to illustrate the lack of clarity, enhancing reader understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming readers can infer the intended meaning of "imprecise instructions". Instead, clarify the ambiguity by stating the specific aspects that lack clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imprecise instructions" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "imprecise" modifies the noun "instructions". As shown in Ludwig, it typically describes guidance that is not clear or specific, leading to potential misinterpretations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imprecise instructions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that refers to unclear or nonspecific directions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, it's crucial to illustrate the lack of clarity with context or examples. Related phrases include "vague directions" and "unclear guidelines". Avoiding assumptions about reader comprehension is essential to ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vague directions

Focuses on the lack of clarity in the guidance.

unclear guidelines

Emphasizes the absence of distinctness in the provided guidelines.

ambiguous instructions

Highlights the multiple possible interpretations of the instructions.

indefinite directions

Stresses the lack of specific limits in the guidance.

nebulous guidelines

Emphasizes the hazy, ill-defined nature of the guidelines.

loose instructions

Indicates a lack of strictness or precision in the instructions.

ill-defined instructions

Focuses on the lack of clear definition in the instructions.

poorly defined instructions

Highlights the inadequate definition of the instructions.

imperfect instructions

Emphasizes the flawed nature of the instructions.

faulty directions

Indicates that the directions are defective or incorrect.

FAQs

How can I use "imprecise instructions" in a sentence?

You can use "imprecise instructions" to describe directions or guidelines that are not clear or specific. For example, "The project failed because of the "imprecise instructions" provided by the manager."

What's a good alternative to "imprecise instructions"?

Alternatives include "vague directions", "unclear guidelines", or "ambiguous instructions". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes instructions "imprecise"?

Instructions can be considered "imprecise" if they lack specific details, are open to multiple interpretations, or fail to provide clear guidance on how to complete a task.

In what situations might "imprecise instructions" be problematic?

"Imprecise instructions" can lead to errors, confusion, and inefficiency in various contexts, such as project management, cooking, or medical dosing. Clear communication is essential to avoid negative outcomes.