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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

it's not clear

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's not clear who's come the furthest.

But it's not clear.

News & Media

The New York Times

It's not clear.

News & Media

The New York Times

It's not clear why.

News & Media

The New York Times

It's not clear how much.

News & Media

The New York Times

It's not clear to me".

It's not clear which.

News & Media

The New York Times

It's not clear what that means.

News & Media

The New York Times

It's not clear whether we have.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It's not clear how Yarrow reacted.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sadly, it's not clear-cut.

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it's not clear", ensure the context provides a hint about what lacks clarity. If the subject is entirely ambiguous, consider rephrasing for better reader comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using "it's not clear" repeatedly in close proximity without specifying the different aspects that are unclear. Diversify your language to maintain reader engagement.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's not clear" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a lack of understanding or certainty regarding a specific situation, idea, or piece of information. As shown by Ludwig, it is used to express that something is ambiguous, vague, or requires further clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's not clear" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lack of understanding or certainty. According to Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, scientific articles, and general communication. While predominantly neutral in register, it can be adapted for more formal settings by using alternatives like "it remains uncertain". Its versatility and frequent occurrence make it an important tool for conveying ambiguity or the need for further clarification. Understanding the nuances of its usage, as highlighted by Ludwig, can improve precision and clarity in writing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it's not clear" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "it remains uncertain" or "the situation is ambiguous".

Is "it's not clear" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it's not clear" is grammatically correct. It's a common and accepted way to express a lack of clarity or understanding.

What's the difference between "it's not clear" and "it's unclear"?

While both convey a lack of clarity, "it's not clear" is often used when something is potentially understandable but currently lacks clarity. "It's unclear" is generally used when something is inherently difficult to understand.

What can I say instead of "it's not clear" when providing feedback?

Depending on the context, you could say "more information is needed", "further investigation is required", or "the details are hazy" to be more specific and constructive.

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Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: