is less clear

USAGE SUMMARY

"is less clear" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is not as clear or certain as something else. For example: "The answer to this question is less clear than the answer to the previous question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That is less clear.

The New York Times

His destination is less clear.

The New York Times - Sports

Red's significance is less clear.

The Economist

How much is less clear.

The New York Times

What happens next is less clear.

The New York Times

The situation in America is less clear.

The Economist

Just what regulations, though, is less clear.

The Economist

For others, the matter is less clear.

The New York Times

When this will happen is less clear.

The Economist

The U.S. position is less clear.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Italy is less clear-cut.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is less clear", ensure you've clearly established what it's being compared to. Provide context to clarify what aspect lacks clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "is less clear" in isolation. Always provide a reference point to what is clearer. Without a comparison, the phrase becomes vague and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less clear" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating a lower degree of clarity relative to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. This is often used to express uncertainty or ambiguity, as shown in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

27%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is less clear" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a comparative lack of clarity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a comparative adjective phrase and is suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that a point of comparison is provided to avoid vagueness. Its widespread use across reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Economist underscores its reliability and versatility in expressing nuanced levels of understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not as clear

This alternative uses a slightly more direct comparison to emphasize the lack of clarity.

is more ambiguous

This alternative focuses on the ambiguity of the subject, implying multiple possible interpretations.

is not well-defined

This alternative suggests the subject lacks precise boundaries or characteristics.

is open to interpretation

This alternative highlights that the subject can be understood in various ways.

remains uncertain

This alternative emphasizes the unresolved nature of the subject.

is not fully understood

This alternative indicates a lack of complete comprehension.

is shrouded in mystery

This alternative suggests a sense of intrigue and concealment.

is subject to debate

This alternative implies that the subject is contested or controversial.

is up in the air

This alternative conveys a sense of uncertainty and lack of resolution.

lacks definition

This alternative directly states that the subject is missing clear boundaries or attributes.

FAQs

How can I use "is less clear" in a sentence?

The phrase "is less clear" is used to indicate that something is not as well-defined or understood as something else. For example, "The cause of the disease is known, but the long-term effect "is less clear"".

What can I say instead of "is less clear"?

You can use alternatives like "is more ambiguous", "is not well-defined", or "remains uncertain" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "is less clear" or "is unclear"?

"Is less clear" implies a comparison to something else that is clearer, while "is unclear" simply means that something is not easily understood. Both are correct, but their usage depends on the context. For example: "His intentions are unclear", versus "His motives are known, but his methods "is less clear"".

What's the difference between "is less clear" and "is not clear"?

"Is less clear" is a comparative statement implying that something else offers a greater degree of clarity. "Is not clear" is a more general statement simply indicating a lack of clarity, without explicitly comparing it to anything. The alternative phrase "is not clear" does not require comparative information to be appropriately used.