intentionally ambiguous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intentionally ambiguous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is deliberately unclear or open to multiple interpretations. Example: "The author's use of intentionally ambiguous language left readers questioning the true meaning of the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

George W. Bush's intentional ambiguity about whether he's being intentionally ambiguous represents a subtlety of thought I hadn't expected from him.

The New York Times

Also, said love's consummation is intentionally ambiguous.

The New York Times

The meaning of which is intentionally ambiguous.

The Times

I think it was an intentionally ambiguous statement.

The New York Times

I will leave the word 'good' intentionally ambiguous.

The Guardian

Its language is intentionally ambiguous: The way NATO should respond to one scenario is necessarily different from how it should respond to another.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The number of tablets that Margaret put into the glass is intentionally left ambiguous.

Wikipedia

She briefly meets Batman (it is intentionally left ambiguous whether or not it is Dick Grayson or Bruce Wayne) to discuss her findings.

Wikipedia

Ranging over the entire political spectrum, from anti-establishment and anti-government groups to official government troops, Helms' portraits are intentionally politically ambiguous, stating "The politics are less interesting to me then this idea of a repeated identity".

Huffington Post

One cool thing about Carlos's original design was that he gave Dredd full lips which, combined with the comic being in black and white, made the character intentionally racially ambiguous.

Vice

Sometimes, strategies are even kept ambiguous intentionally.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intentionally ambiguous" when you want to highlight that a lack of clarity or multiple interpretations are not accidental, but rather a deliberate choice made by the author or speaker.

Common error

Avoid using "intentionally ambiguous" when the lack of clarity is due to poor writing or misunderstanding. Ensure the ambiguity is a deliberate choice, not an oversight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intentionally ambiguous" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the manner in which something is ambiguous. It highlights that the ambiguity is a deliberate and conscious choice, not an accident or oversight, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

26%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intentionally ambiguous" describes something deliberately unclear or open to multiple interpretations. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields like news, media, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a conscious choice to avoid clarity, unlike unintentional ambiguity caused by poor wording. Consider using alternatives like "deliberately vague" or "purposely unclear" depending on the desired nuance. While generally neutral in tone, the appropriateness of "intentionally ambiguous" depends on the context; while accepted in creative writing or diplomacy, legal and technical writing usually require better clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deliberately vague

Focuses on the lack of clarity being a conscious choice.

purposely unclear

Emphasizes that the ambiguity serves a specific aim or goal.

consciously equivocal

Highlights the intent to use language that can be interpreted in multiple ways, often to avoid commitment.

designedly indefinite

Implies a structured or planned lack of precision.

studiedly ambivalent

Suggests a careful and deliberate maintenance of conflicting viewpoints.

artfully obscure

Conveys that the ambiguity is crafted with skill and intention, possibly for artistic effect.

tactically imprecise

Emphasizes the use of ambiguity as a strategy or maneuver.

calculatedly cryptic

Indicates that the ambiguity is part of a deliberate attempt to be mysterious or enigmatic.

willfully misleading

Highlights a deliberate intention to deceive through ambiguity.

obfuscated on purpose

Focuses on the action of making something unclear with a clear intention.

FAQs

How can I use "intentionally ambiguous" in a sentence?

You can use "intentionally ambiguous" to describe statements, actions, or artistic choices that are deliberately unclear or open to multiple interpretations. For example, "The politician's statement was "intentionally ambiguous", leaving room for different interpretations depending on the audience."

What does "intentionally ambiguous" mean?

The phrase "intentionally ambiguous" means that something is deliberately unclear or open to multiple interpretations. It implies a conscious decision to avoid specificity.

What are some alternatives to "intentionally ambiguous"?

Alternatives include "deliberately vague", "purposely unclear", or "consciously equivocal". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to be "intentionally ambiguous"?

Yes, there are situations where being "intentionally ambiguous" can be appropriate, such as in diplomacy, art, or storytelling, where leaving room for interpretation can be beneficial. However, in legal or technical contexts, clarity is usually preferred.