intentionally vague

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intentionally vague" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is deliberately unclear or ambiguous, often to avoid giving a direct answer or to create uncertainty. Example: "The politician's response was intentionally vague, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mr. Levin is intentionally vague about his background.

The New York Times

But the language is, for the most part, intentionally vague.

The New York Times - Magazine

Marx's vision of communist society is remarkably (and perhaps intentionally) vague.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The wording of the measure is intentionally vague in many places.

The New York Times

Mrs. Hussein argues that Article 152 is intentionally vague, in part to punish women.

The New York Times

Earnest said: "Well, I think handful – a handful is intentionally vague".

The Guardian

Officials said, though, that they were being intentionally vague about security precautions.

The New York Times

Unlike "The Usual Suspects," "The Way of the Gun" is not intentionally vague.

The New York Times

The general managers and other N.H.L. officials seemed intentionally vague about how a broadened Rule 48 would work.

The New York Times

Defense lawyers in Arusha worry that Rwanda's laws, which critics say are intentionally vague, could be used against them, too.

The New York Times

His questions are intentionally vague ("Where do you see communications going in the future?"), but his wit remains sharp.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intentionally vague" when you want to convey that a lack of clarity is not accidental, but a deliberate choice. This implies a specific purpose behind the ambiguity, such as avoiding commitment or maintaining flexibility.

Common error

Be mindful that "intentionally vague" implies a deliberate lack of clarity, while generality refers to a broad, non-specific statement. Do not use "intentionally vague" when you simply mean something is not detailed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intentionally vague" functions as an adverb-adjective combination that modifies a noun or concept, indicating that the vagueness is a deliberate quality. It often describes language, rules, or strategies. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intentionally vague" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is deliberately lacking in clarity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's prevalent in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. The phrase suggests a calculated decision to avoid specificity, often for strategic reasons. When using "intentionally vague", ensure you're conveying deliberate ambiguity, not just generality, and consider alternatives like "deliberately ambiguous" or "purposely unclear" to fine-tune your message. Understanding its purpose, register, and common usage patterns will help you employ this phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deliberately ambiguous

Emphasizes the conscious choice to create ambiguity.

purposely unclear

Highlights the aim to avoid clarity.

designedly imprecise

Stresses the calculated nature of the lack of precision.

calculatedly indefinite

Focuses on the planned and uncertain aspect.

artfully evasive

Suggests skill in avoiding directness.

strategic ambiguity

Highlights the use of vagueness as a tactic.

studied vagueness

Emphasizes the careful consideration given to being vague.

willfully obscure

Indicates a stubborn choice to be unclear.

consciously inexplicit

Highlights the awareness of not being explicit.

tactically ambiguous

Highlights the use of ambiguity as a tactical device.

FAQs

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

You can use "intentionally vague" to describe statements, policies, or descriptions that are deliberately unclear. For example, "The politician's response was "intentionally vague" to avoid taking a firm stance on the issue."

What's a more formal way to say "intentionally vague"?

More formal alternatives include "deliberately ambiguous" or "purposely unclear". These options maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "intentionally vague" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that ambiguity is not accidental, but rather a calculated choice. This suggests a strategic reason behind the lack of clarity, such as avoiding commitment or maintaining flexibility.

What is the difference between "intentionally vague" and "unintentionally vague"?

"Intentionally vague" means that the lack of clarity is deliberate, while "unintentionally vague" means that the lack of clarity is accidental or due to poor communication.