it is vague

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is vague" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not clearly defined, or that is lacking in clarity. For example: "His explanation of the company's new policy was so vague, nobody could understand it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

The project feels as futile as it is vague.

The New Yorker

If it is vague, people may conclude that it is soft on inflation.

The Economist

The agreement proposes an overall timetable, but it is vague on the question of monitors.

The New York Times

Like any good artwork it is vague and enigmatic, yet at the same time instantly touching.

The Guardian - Music

The focus of this project is almost as noble as it is vague: to be altruistic, locally.

The New York Times - Books

It has been quite some time since I saw "Zazie," and my memory of it is vague.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

It is vaguely familiar to him on various levels.

TechCrunch

It is vaguely quadrupedal, though it is capable of standing upright over short distances.

Wikipedia

It's vague, still in its primitive workshopping stage.

Vice

It's vague.

The Economist

Otherwise, though, it's vague.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is vague", ensure the context clarifies what 'it' refers to, preventing ambiguity. If the subject is unclear, rephrase for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "it is vague" without specifying what 'it' refers to. This can lead to confusion and weaken your argument. Always provide sufficient context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is vague" primarily functions as a statement expressing a lack of clarity or precision regarding a particular subject. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts to denote ambiguity or indefiniteness. According to Ludwig AI the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is vague" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of clarity, precision, or detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and common across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is clear to avoid ambiguity, and consider alternatives like "it is unclear" or "it is ambiguous" for nuanced meanings. It's important to provide sufficient context to avoid the common error of overuse without a clear reference point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is imprecise

Emphasizes a lack of exactness or accuracy.

it is ambiguous

Suggests multiple possible interpretations, leading to uncertainty.

it is ill-defined

Focuses on the absence of clear boundaries or limits.

it is unclear

Highlights a lack of comprehensibility or understanding.

it is indefinite

Implies a lack of specific limitations or boundaries.

it is hazy

Evokes a sense of obscurity or indistinctness.

it is fuzzy

Suggests a lack of sharpness or definition.

it is nebulous

Implies a lack of clear form or structure.

it is obscure

Highlights a lack of prominence or accessibility.

it is equivocal

Suggests that it is open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is vague" to describe something lacking clarity or definition. For example, "The policy's guidelines are ambiguous, "it is vague" about specific procedures."

What are some alternatives to "it is vague"?

Alternatives include "it is unclear", "it is ambiguous", or "it is imprecise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it is vague" or "it is unclear"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "it is vague" suggests a lack of distinctness or precision, while "it is unclear" emphasizes a lack of comprehensibility. The better choice depends on the specific context.

What does "it is vague" imply about the subject?

Saying "it is vague" implies that the subject lacks sufficient detail, definition, or clarity, making it difficult to understand or interpret accurately.