it was vague

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was vague" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that lacks clarity or precision, such as a statement, instruction, or description. Example: "The explanation provided by the teacher was vague, leaving many students confused about the assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

When the institute announced its agenda in May, it was vague in the extreme.Even neutered bodies, however, can provoke outrage.

The Economist

She thought it was vague.

The New Yorker

But it was vague about the detail.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was vague, difficult to pin down.

The New Yorker

Visteon, however, was skeptical of the bid, saying that it was vague and missing important details.

The New York Times

When she thought of her past life, it was vague in her new mind, like cobwebs.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

It was vaguely familiar.

The New York Times - Tech

It was vaguely shocking to see them.

The New Yorker

It was vaguely scientific," he said.

The Guardian - Travel

I thought it was vaguely ominous and Victorian.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it was vaguely stirring.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "it was vague" with a specific example or explanation to illustrate the lack of clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was vague" repeatedly without providing context. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "unclear" or "imprecise" and elaborate on the specific aspects that lacked clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was vague" typically functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or pronoun (it) and indicating a lack of clarity or precision. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules and is widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was vague" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lack of clarity or precision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it sees frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, and can be effectively replaced with synonyms like "unclear" or "ill-defined" to enhance writing. When using this phrase, always provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity and consider its subtle differences from similar expressions to convey the intended meaning accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it lacked clarity

Focuses on the absence of clear and easily understandable qualities.

it was ill-defined

Highlights the absence of distinct boundaries or clear characteristics.

it was undefined

Suggests a complete lack of definition or specification.

it was imprecise

Emphasizes the lack of accuracy or exactness.

it was ambiguous

Highlights the possibility of multiple interpretations or meanings.

it was obscure

Implies that something is difficult to perceive, understand, or express.

it was nebulous

Suggests a hazy, indistinct, or confused character.

it was blurred

Suggests a lack of sharp distinction or outline.

it was hazy

Implies a lack of clearness or distinctness, often due to lack of detail.

it was indefinite

Focuses on the lack of specific limits or boundaries.

FAQs

What does "it was vague" mean?

The phrase "it was vague" describes something lacking clarity, precision, or detail, making it difficult to understand or interpret clearly. It implies a lack of distinctness or specificity.

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

You can use "it was vague" to describe plans, explanations, memories, or any concept that lacks clear definition. For example: "The instructions "it was vague", leaving me unsure how to proceed."

What are some alternatives to "it was vague"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was unclear", "it was ambiguous", or "it was ill-defined", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Both phrases are acceptable, but "it was vague" emphasizes a lack of detail or precision, while "it was unclear" focuses on a lack of comprehensibility. The best choice depends on the specific context.