is unclear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unclear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks clarity or is difficult to understand. Example: "The instructions provided in the manual are unclear, making it challenging to complete the assembly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Precisely why is unclear.

The New York Times

The truth is unclear.

The Economist

The endgame is unclear.

The New York Times - Sports

Why is unclear.

The Economist

The party is unclear.

The Economist

Exactly why is unclear.

The Economist

Everything is unclear somehow.

The New Yorker

The price is unclear.

The New York Times

His fate is unclear.

The New York Times

It is unclear.

The New York Times

That is unclear.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For factual statements, consider providing context or elaborating on why the information is unclear to enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "is unclear" when a more direct statement of fact or observation would be more effective. For example, instead of "The color of the sky is unclear", use "The sky is gray."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unclear" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's state of lacking clarity or definition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively communicates uncertainty or ambiguity. It is used to express that something is not easily understood or defined.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is unclear" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a lack of clarity or certainty. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase functions as a predicate adjective, primarily appearing in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While versatile, its usage should be tailored to the specific context, avoiding overuse in situations where a more direct statement is appropriate. Alternatives such as "is ambiguous" or "remains uncertain" can provide nuanced options for conveying uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacks clarity

Directly points out the absence of clear definition or understanding.

is ambiguous

Focuses on the possibility of multiple interpretations.

remains uncertain

This phrase implies that the uncertainty is ongoing or persistent.

is indefinite

Highlights the lack of clear boundaries or limits.

is not known

This suggests a complete lack of information or knowledge about the subject.

is not obvious

Emphasizes that something is not easily apparent or understandable.

is unresolved

Implies that an issue or question has not been settled or answered.

is dubious

Suggests uncertainty due to potential doubt or skepticism.

is up in the air

An idiomatic expression suggesting that the outcome is still undecided.

is open to question

Suggests that the matter is not settled and can be challenged or debated.

FAQs

How can I use "is unclear" in a sentence?

The phrase "is unclear" is used to express a lack of clarity or certainty about something. For instance, "The reason for the sudden change "is unclear"".

What are some alternatives to "is unclear"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is ambiguous", "remains uncertain", or "is not known".

When is it appropriate to use "is unclear" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "is unclear" when the information is genuinely uncertain or when further investigation is needed. Avoid using it when a simple, direct statement is possible.

What's the difference between "is unclear" and "is vague"?

"Is unclear" suggests a lack of clarity that may be resolvable with more information, while "is vague" suggests an inherent lack of precision or detail that may be difficult to overcome.