is too vague

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is too vague' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is too unclear or imprecise to understand. For example: "His instructions on how to use the software are too vague; I don't understand what to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But this is too vague.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Work on anthropology essay" is too vague.

The Guardian

Some people say the idea is too vague, he says.

The Guardian

The treaty is too vague and is open to misinterpretation.

The Guardian - Tech

The list is too vague and too long to tackle.

Harvard Business Review

Critics complain that the language is too vague.

The New York Times

The administration says that language is too vague.

The New York Times

They also claim that the law is too vague.

The Guardian

She adds: "The definition of public interest is too vague.

The Guardian

Some prosecutors have said it is too vague to enforce.

The New York Times

But Kaine added that the language about ground troops "is too vague for me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is too vague", follow it with a specific explanation of what aspects lack clarity. For instance, instead of saying "The plan is too vague", specify "The plan is too vague regarding budget allocation and timelines."

Common error

Avoid using "is too vague" as a standalone critique. Always provide concrete examples or explanations to support your claim. Simply stating something is vague without further elaboration weakens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is too vague" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of clarity or precision. As shown by Ludwig, it's a common way to express that something needs more detail or definition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is too vague" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a lack of clarity or insufficient detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s effective in various contexts including news, science, and business. To enhance your writing, follow "is too vague" with specific areas needing clarification. Remember to avoid using it as a standalone critique. Instead, support it with concrete examples. Consider alternatives such as "lacks specificity" or "is insufficiently clear" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacks specificity

This alternative focuses on the absence of specific details.

is insufficiently clear

This emphasizes the lack of clarity.

is not well-defined

Highlights the absence of a clear definition.

is lacking in detail

Focuses on the absence of sufficient detail.

is excessively general

Emphasizes the broadness of the subject.

is open to interpretation

Highlights the potential for multiple understandings.

is imprecise

Focuses on the lack of precision.

is ambiguous

Highlights the uncertainty and lack of clarity.

is ill-defined

Similar to "is not well-defined", but with a slightly more negative connotation.

is nebulous

Emphasizes the haziness and lack of clear boundaries.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is too vague" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you could use phrases like "lacks specificity", "is insufficiently clear", or "is not well-defined".

What does it mean when something "is too vague"?

It means that the information or concept is unclear, lacking in detail, or open to multiple interpretations. It's not specific or precise enough to be easily understood or acted upon.

Is it always negative to say something "is too vague"?

Generally, yes. Saying something "is too vague" implies that it needs to be more specific and clear. However, sometimes a degree of vagueness might be intentional for diplomatic or strategic reasons.

How can I avoid making my writing "too vague"?

Use concrete examples, specific details, and precise language. Define key terms clearly and avoid generalizations. Ask yourself: "Could someone misinterpret this, and if so, how can I make it clearer?"