is not transparent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not transparent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unclear, opaque, or not easily understood. Example: "The reasoning behind the decision is not transparent, leaving many stakeholders confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Plainly it is not transparent".

The Guardian - Sport

He said: "Rosneft is not transparent.

The Guardian - Business

But in the editing room, he is not transparent.

The New York Times

To this aspect of our finitude we must be resigned: consciousness is not transparent to itself.

Princeton University

It also encourages gold-plated insurance schemes, since their full cost is not transparent.

The Economist

"Trade is not transparent," according to Mr Passas, making it an attractive outlet for terrorist groups.

The Economist

It is a monopoly, it is not transparent and these addresses are valuable".

The Guardian - Tech

If it is not transparent, then nobody comes to the others".

The New York Times

Another problem, Olson emphasizes, is that a large amount of corporate giving is not transparent.

The Guardian

"Some retailers are not far off following this already but it is not transparent," he said.

The Guardian

The judgment on the purity of gold is not transparent, controlled by men, and not validated externally by the women.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing processes or systems, use "is not transparent" to highlight areas where clarity and openness are essential for trust and accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "is not transparent" when a simpler term like "unclear" or "vague" suffices. Overusing the term can make your writing sound overly critical or accusatory when a lack of clarity is unintentional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not transparent" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a lack of clarity, openness, or ease of understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a valid and commonly used expression in English. It is typically used to express that information or processes are obscured.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not transparent" is a versatile and frequently used expression for describing a lack of clarity or openness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. Its primary function is to express concern or criticism when something is obscured or difficult to understand, particularly in situations where transparency is expected. While used across various registers, it is most common in news, scientific, and academic contexts. Related phrases include "lacks transparency", "is opaque", and "is unclear", offering writers alternative ways to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacks transparency

Replaces the verb phrase "is not" with the single verb "lacks", making it more concise.

is opaque

Uses the word "opaque" as a direct antonym to "transparent", denoting a lack of clarity.

is unclear

Focuses on the lack of clarity, a key aspect of something not being transparent.

is not obvious

Emphasizes the lack of immediate understandability.

is hidden

Highlights the concealed nature, suggesting information is deliberately obscured.

is obscure

Indicates that something is vague and difficult to understand or see.

is ambiguous

Implies that something is open to multiple interpretations, lacking clear definition.

is not straightforward

Suggests that the process or information involves complexities and isn't simple.

is convoluted

Highlights the complex and intricate nature of something difficult to understand.

is cryptic

Conveys the idea that something is deliberately mysterious and difficult to decipher.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is not transparent"?

When something "is not transparent", it means that it is unclear, opaque, or difficult to understand. The opposite of transparent implies a lack of openness, honesty, or easy accessibility of information.

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

You can use "is not transparent" to describe processes, systems, or explanations that lack clarity. For example, "The company's accounting method "is not transparent", making it difficult to assess its true financial health."

What are some alternatives to saying "is not transparent"?

Alternatives to "is not transparent" include "is unclear", "lacks transparency", "is opaque", or "is ambiguous". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to say something "is not transparent"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a lack of openness, clarity, or accountability, particularly in situations where transparency is expected or desirable. For instance, you might say a political process "is not transparent" to highlight concerns about potential corruption or undue influence.