is not so clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not so clear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something lacks clarity or is difficult to understand. Example: "The instructions provided in the manual are not so clear, making it challenging to follow the steps correctly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is not so clear.

The New Yorker

Now it is not so clear.

The Economist

What that means is not so clear.

The New York Times

It is not so clear yet.

The Guardian - Tech

Now the future is not so clear.

The Guardian

But now it is not so clear.

The Guardian - Sport

In practice the picture is not so clear.

The Economist

For other economies, however, the case is not so clear.

The Economist

And in this case the story is not so clear".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In fact, the government's attitude is not so clear-cut.

The Economist

The minus side is not so clear-cut.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not so clear" to express uncertainty or ambiguity without being overly negative. It's suitable for situations where something is not easily understood or definitively proven.

Common error

Avoid using "is not so clear" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms or alternative expressions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not so clear" functions as a qualifier, expressing uncertainty or a lack of definitive understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not so clear" is a commonly used expression to indicate a lack of clarity or certainty. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound and versatile for expressing doubt in various contexts, including News & Media and Science. While widely accepted, varying your language and avoiding overuse will enhance your writing. Consider alternatives like "is somewhat unclear" or "is not very clear" to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is somewhat unclear

Emphasizes a slight lack of clarity.

is not very clear

A more direct way of saying something lacks clarity.

is rather vague

Indicates a lack of precision or detail.

is open to interpretation

Suggests multiple valid understandings are possible.

is subject to debate

Highlights that the topic is controversial or unsettled.

is far from certain

Underscores the uncertainty or lack of definitive evidence.

remains to be seen

Indicates that the outcome is still unknown and will only become clear in the future.

is shrouded in mystery

Implies a sense of intrigue and hidden information.

is anyone's guess

Expresses that something is purely speculative and without factual basis.

is as clear as mud

Humorously suggests something is completely incomprehensible.

FAQs

What does "is not so clear" mean?

The phrase "is not so clear" means that something is uncertain, ambiguous, or not easily understood. It suggests a lack of clarity or definitive information about a particular subject or situation.

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

You can use "is not so clear" to express doubt or uncertainty. For example, "The future of the project "is not so clear" after the budget cuts".

What are some alternatives to "is not so clear"?

Some alternatives to "is not so clear" include "is somewhat unclear", "is not very clear", or "is rather vague", each offering a slightly different nuance.

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

Both "is not so clear" and "is unclear" are acceptable. "Is unclear" is more direct, while "is not so clear" can soften the statement, implying a more nuanced lack of clarity.