is not completely clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not completely clear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing uncertainty or ambiguity about a statement, idea, or situation. Example: "The instructions provided in the manual are not completely clear, which has led to some confusion among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the picture is not completely clear.

The New York Times - Health

But that is not completely clear.

The New York Times

Even the ordinance in question is not completely clear.

The New York Times

Furthermore, it is not completely clear what he is promising.

The New York Times

The origin of the older crust is not completely clear.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now, the science here still is not completely clear.

The New York Times

How this worked, relations between the Slavs and the Avars, is not completely clear.

Yale University

What Sobchak's movement, All Free, stands for is not completely clear.

The Guardian

But their impact on the native plants and animals is not completely clear.

The Guardian

"There are encouraging glimmers of light even if it is not completely clear yet".

The Guardian - Business

It is not completely clear what he means by that definition of exploitative.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not completely clear", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand what aspects are uncertain. Follow up with further explanation or evidence where possible.

Common error

Avoid using "is not completely clear" as a placeholder for deeper analysis. Always strive to provide context and potential reasons for the lack of clarity, rather than simply stating the uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not completely clear" functions as a qualifier, indicating that something lacks full transparency or certainty. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is commonly used to express uncertainty about facts, reasons, or implications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not completely clear" serves as a versatile qualifier, indicating uncertainty or ambiguity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across a wide range of contexts. Its high frequency in news and scientific publications emphasizes its role in expressing nuanced perspectives where complete understanding is lacking. When using this phrase, be sure to provide sufficient context for your audience to grasp the nature and extent of the uncertainty you're conveying.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not fully understood

Focuses on the lack of comprehension surrounding the subject.

is somewhat ambiguous

Indicates a degree of ambiguity, but may imply a slightly lower level of clarity than the original phrase.

is not entirely obvious

Suggests that the information requires some interpretation to understand fully.

remains uncertain

Emphasizes the unresolved or speculative nature of something.

is open to interpretation

Highlights the subjective nature of understanding the subject.

is subject to debate

Implies the existence of diverse perspectives on the matter.

is difficult to ascertain

Emphasizes the challenge in determining or establishing the subject.

is a matter of speculation

Positions the subject as something lacking concrete evidence and reliant on conjecture.

lacks definitive evidence

Indicates that there's no proof to support a claim.

is shrouded in mystery

Suggests that there are unknown things that cannot be easily discovered.

FAQs

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

Use "is not completely clear" to express that something is ambiguous or uncertain. For example: "The reason for his decision "is not completely clear", but we suspect it's related to budget cuts."

What is a more formal way to say "is not completely clear"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "remains uncertain", "is subject to further investigation", or "is open to interpretation". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

What can I say instead of "is not completely clear" when the topic is mysterious?

When something is mysterious you can say it "is shrouded in mystery". This alternative suggests that there are unknown things that cannot be easily discovered.

Is it better to use "is not completely clear" or "is unclear"?

"Is unclear" is a more direct way of saying something is not easily understood. "Is not completely clear" adds a nuance that some aspects might be understood, but not all. Choose the phrase that more accurately reflects the situation.