is not clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not clear" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used when something is not known, obvious, or easily understood. For example: "The answer to this question is not clear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Why, is not clear.

The Economist

It is not clear.

The New York Times

The reason is not clear.

The Economist

But that is not clear.

The New York Times

It is not clear why.

The Economist

The diction is not clear".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The case is not clear-cut.

The Economist

In fact, this is not clear-cut.

The Economist

The evidence is not clear-cut.

BBC

The answer is not clear-cut.

Forbes

This isn't clear yet.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not clear", consider briefly explaining why it is unclear to give the reader context. For instance, "The study's significance is not clear due to conflicting data."

Common error

Avoid repeatedly stating that something "is not clear" without offering insights into potential reasons or avenues for clarification. Provide context or suggest further research when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not clear" functions as a declarative statement expressing uncertainty or a lack of understanding. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not clear" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to indicate uncertainty or a lack of understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across various contexts, from news reports to scientific publications. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse registers. When using this phrase, it's helpful to provide context or suggest reasons for the lack of clarity. Related phrases include "is not evident" and "remains unknown". Avoiding overuse without explanation ensures clear and informative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not evident

Replaces "clear" with "evident", suggesting something is not easily perceived or understood.

is not obvious

Substitutes "clear" with "obvious", indicating something is not immediately apparent.

is uncertain

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adjective indicating a lack of certainty.

remains unknown

Indicates that something is still not known or understood, focusing on the lack of knowledge.

is not well-defined

Emphasizes a lack of precise definition or boundaries.

is ambiguous

Highlights that something is open to multiple interpretations.

is up for debate

Suggests that something is still being discussed and has not reached a consensus.

is still in question

Indicates something is yet to be resolved or decided.

is open to interpretation

Highlights the subjective nature and potential for varied understandings.

is shrouded in mystery

Adds a sense of intrigue, suggesting something is not easily understood due to obscurity.

FAQs

What does "is not clear" mean?

The phrase "is not clear" indicates that something is uncertain, ambiguous, or not easily understood. It suggests a lack of clarity or information.

How can I use "is not clear" in a sentence?

You can use "is not clear" to express a lack of understanding or certainty about a particular subject. For example, "The reason for this outcome "is not clear"."

What can I say instead of "is not clear"?

You can use alternatives like "is not evident", "is uncertain", or "remains unknown" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is not clear" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "is not clear" when acknowledging uncertainty, highlighting ambiguity, or indicating a lack of complete information. This shows honesty and encourages further investigation or clarification.