it is not clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not clear" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not understood or is uncertain. For example, "It is not clear why he stayed away from the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is not clear.

The New York Times

It is not clear why.

The Economist

It is not clear either way.

The Economist

It is not clear how he pleaded.

The New York Times

It is not clear what they want.

The New York Times

It is not clear they will.

The Economist

It is not clear that they will.

The New York Times

It is not clear that they do.

The Economist

Why she abandoned it is not clear.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It isn't clear why.

Independent

It isn't clear.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is not clear", specify what exactly is unclear to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "It is not clear", say "It is not clear why the decision was made."

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "it is not clear" without elaborating on what specifically lacks clarity. Instead, try to provide more detail about the uncertainty or lack of understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not clear" functions as an impersonal comment clause, expressing a lack of certainty or understanding. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a standard way to introduce uncertainty. Examples throughout the search data illustrate this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

41%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is not clear" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote uncertainty or a lack of understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across various contexts. The phrase exhibits a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives exist, such as "it remains uncertain" or "it's not known", the choice depends on the specific nuances you aim to convey. To avoid ambiguity, always specify what is unclear when using this phrase. The phrase is highly frequent in "News & Media" and "Science", according to Ludwig examples, but it is less present in "Formal & Business", and it is virtually absent in "Encyclopedias" and "Wiki" contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remains uncertain

Emphasizes ongoing uncertainty about a situation or outcome. Slightly more formal.

it's uncertain

Shortened version of "it is uncertain", making it less formal.

it's not known

Focuses on the lack of available information or knowledge.

it is unknown

More formal way of saying "it's not known".

the answer is not obvious

Highlights that the solution or explanation is not immediately apparent.

it's still up in the air

Informal expression indicating that the matter is unresolved.

the situation is ambiguous

Suggests that the circumstances are vague and open to multiple interpretations.

it is open to question

Implies that the matter is debatable and not definitively settled.

it defies understanding

Strongly emphasizes the difficulty in comprehending something.

the details are murky

Suggests that specific aspects are unclear or obscured.

FAQs

What does "it is not clear" mean?

The phrase "it is not clear" indicates that something is uncertain, ambiguous, or not easily understood. It suggests a lack of clarity or information about a particular subject.

How can I use "it is not clear" in a sentence?

You can use "it is not clear" to express uncertainty about a specific point. For example: "It is not clear why the project was delayed" or "It is not clear how the system works."

What are some alternatives to "it is not clear"?

Some alternatives include "it remains uncertain", "it's not known", or "the situation is ambiguous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is not clear" formal or informal?

"It is not clear" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, depending on the context, a more formal alternative like "it is unknown" might be more suitable for academic or professional writing.