it is very unclear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is very unclear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing confusion or lack of clarity about a particular subject or statement. Example: "The instructions provided were vague, and it is very unclear what steps we are supposed to follow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It is very unclear what kind of Brexit they want.

The Guardian

"There is no requirement in law to maximise profit for shareholders, and it is very unclear in US law too," Murphy said.

The Guardian - Tech

However, it is very unclear how much of this will be for adaptation projects in the most vulnerable nations, with the lowest estimate being just $3bn.

The Guardian

"If the UK were to leave the EU it is very unclear which elements of existing European policy would continue to apply to the UK," the authors write.

Independent

Jazz clarinetist Professor David Rothenberg '84 takes whale music seriously, and has played music with whales (via underwater speakers) and birds, though it is very unclear as to whether they respond.

Harvard University

"It is very unclear which movement has control where," said Baz Lecocq, a professor of African history at Ghent University in Belgium who has written widely on the Tuaregs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It's very unclear.

Yale University

As I say, it's very unclear at this stage.

The Guardian

"It's very unclear what's going to happen," he continues.

The Guardian - Business

But it's very unclear what North Korea is demanding and when the talks will take place.

The New York Times

But it's very unclear who or what the Egyptian government is during this interim period.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is very unclear", ensure that the context provides some indication of what specifically is unclear. Avoid using the phrase in isolation without any reference point.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it is very unclear", as this can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is very unclear" functions as a declarative statement expressing a lack of clarity or understanding about a specific subject. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for conveying uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is very unclear" is a grammatically sound phrase frequently used to express a lack of clarity or understanding. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for use across various contexts, especially in news, science, and academic writing. While it's a common expression, varying sentence structure and using synonyms can prevent repetition. Ensure that the context specifies what is unclear to provide a clear understanding to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remains quite vague

Emphasizes the persistence of the lack of clarity.

the situation is ambiguous

Highlights the uncertainty and multiple possible interpretations of the situation.

it's not entirely certain

Suggests a level of doubt or uncertainty.

the details are fuzzy

Focuses on the lack of precise information.

the picture is murky

Implies that understanding is obscured or clouded.

clarity is lacking

Directly states the absence of clarity.

it's shrouded in mystery

Emphasizes the unknown and secretive nature of the subject.

the issue is unresolved

Focuses on the lack of a clear solution or outcome.

the matter is dubious

Suggests uncertainty and potential untrustworthiness.

the position is indefinite

Highlights the lack of a fixed or clear stance.

FAQs

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

Use "it is very unclear" to express a lack of understanding or clarity about a particular topic. For example, "It is very unclear what the next steps in the process will be."

What are some alternatives to "it is very unclear"?

Alternatives include "it remains quite vague", "the situation is ambiguous", or "it's not entirely certain". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is very unclear" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is very unclear" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal writing.

What's the difference between "it is very unclear" and "it is unclear"?

"It is very unclear" implies a stronger degree of uncertainty or lack of understanding than "it is unclear". The addition of "very" intensifies the lack of clarity.