it is murky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is murky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is unclear, confusing, or difficult to understand, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "The explanation of the new policy was so vague that it is murky to most employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

In practice it is murky.

The Economist

"With this council, it is murky as to who is on it and what role they have," says Robert P.

The Washington Post

If that definition sounds murky — that is, if it's unclear what 501(c)(4) organizations are allowed to do — that's because it is murky.

The New Yorker

But the precise relationship between the Al Qaeda of Osama bin Laden and other groups that claim inspiration or affiliation with it is murky and opaque.

The New York Times

It is murky and capricious at times, yet with flashes of compelling wit and the frenetic syncopation of life about to be sucked back down a black hole.

The New York Times - Books

"It is murky out there," she said, "but as the writer Margaret Drabble said, when nothing is sure everything is possible".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"It's murky.

The New York Times

It was murky and things moved around".

Independent

"It's murky," one Clinton adviser conceded.

The New York Times

Without a doubt, Mr. Solomon said, "It's murky territory".

The New York Times

Beyond that, it's murky, and interpretations are often colored by emotion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is murky", ensure the context provides some indication of what specifically is unclear. This provides the reader with a better understanding of the nature of the uncertainty.

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of "it is murky" in highly formal writing can make the tone seem less precise. Consider using more specific synonyms like "ambiguous" or "undefined" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is murky" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a lack of clarity or transparency regarding a particular subject. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in expressing uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is murky" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of clarity or understanding. According to Ludwig, it's widely used across various contexts, with news and media being the most frequent. While acceptable, it's important to consider the specific context and potential overuse in formal writing, where more precise alternatives may be preferred. Ludwig AI confirms that "it is murky" is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unclear

Focuses on the lack of clarity, a direct synonym.

it is ambiguous

Highlights the possibility of multiple interpretations.

it is vague

Emphasizes the lack of specific details.

it is obscure

Suggests that something is hidden or not easily discovered.

it is undefined

Highlights the lack of precise definition.

it is hazy

Implies a lack of sharpness or distinctness, similar to a visual murkiness.

it is confusing

Focuses on the difficulty in understanding.

it is enigmatic

Suggests a mysterious quality that makes something difficult to understand.

it is perplexing

Highlights the confusing and puzzling nature of something.

it is impenetrable

Emphasizes the impossibility of understanding.

FAQs

What does "it is murky" mean?

The phrase "it is murky" means that something is unclear, confusing, or not easily understood. It can refer to both literal and figurative situations.

How can I use "it is murky" in a sentence?

You can use "it is murky" to describe a situation, explanation, or concept that lacks clarity. For example: "The details of the agreement "it is murky"."

What can I say instead of "it is murky"?

You can use alternatives like "it is unclear", "it is ambiguous", or "it is vague" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is murky" formal or informal?

The phrase "it is murky" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more precise language might be preferred in highly formal writing. Consider "it is obscure" or "it is undefined" for more precision.