kind of equivocation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of equivocation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where there is ambiguity or a lack of clarity in communication or meaning. Example: "His response was a kind of equivocation, leaving everyone unsure of his true intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

When -- when we see the kind of equivocation that took place because this administration wanted a precondition policy -- so when the Green Revolution started up, they were silent for nine days.

The New York Times

These sentences need to be true relative to a single context or else the challenge would be guilty of a kind of equivocation.

SEP

(3) OMNIS ASINUS EST HOMO: Here the distinction is offered again as an explanation of a kind of equivocation between two premises of the argument, as in: "Omne animal est homo.

SEP

Those medieval authors whose discussion of equivocation was very brief tended to use this example, and they often claimed that Aristotle introduced it in order to accommodate analogy as a kind of equivocation.

SEP

The paying of a civil penalty where a guilty verdict has not been reached, as in the Simpson case, is a kind of equivocation that flies in the face of finality.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It's still kind of an equivocation — " "I'm planning on playing my way into the team," Woods repeated with a smile.

The New York Times - Sports

And if he asked what was wrong with her I wasn't going to equivocate because equivocation — any kind of uncertainty, a tremor in the voice, a tonal shift, playacting — is the surest lie detector.

The New Yorker

The historian David H. Fischer identified this kind of rhetoric as "the fallacy of equivocation".

Huffington Post

But John S. Pistole, the T.S.A.'s administrator, said Monday night that "no one knows without equivocation whether that kind of device would get through until we test it".

The New York Times

At least some of the disputes between proponents of monism and its rivals in the ontology of art have pivoted on equivocation regarding the kind of possibility envisaged in discussions of multiplicity and singularity.

SEP

"There is no question of equivocation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of equivocation" when you want to describe a situation where someone is being intentionally vague or ambiguous in their communication. For instance, you might say, "His response was a "kind of equivocation" to avoid taking a clear stance on the issue."

Common error

Avoid using "kind of equivocation" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, consider using synonyms like "sort of ambiguity" or "degree of evasiveness" to add variety and precision to your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of equivocation" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a complement or object in a sentence. It describes a specific instance or type of evasiveness or ambiguity. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kind of equivocation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a specific type of ambiguity or evasiveness in communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable for use in written English. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific discussions, and formal settings. The phrase serves to point out a lack of clarity, often implying a deliberate intention to avoid commitment. When using it, consider synonyms to avoid repetition and ensure your writing remains precise and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sort of ambiguity

Changes "equivocation" to "ambiguity", focusing on the uncertainty of meaning rather than the act of being vague.

type of vagueness

Replaces "equivocation" with "vagueness", highlighting the lack of precision in a statement.

form of hedging

Substitutes "equivocation" with "hedging", which emphasizes a deliberate avoidance of commitment.

degree of evasiveness

Focuses on the avoidance aspect, implying an intent to dodge a direct answer.

level of ambiguity

Similar to "sort of ambiguity", but suggests a quantifiable amount of uncertainty.

shade of ambiguity

Implies a subtle or nuanced form of uncertainty or vagueness.

hint of prevarication

Highlights a slight deviation from the truth, suggesting a weaker form of lying.

touch of evasion

Emphasizes a slight attempt to avoid a direct confrontation or answer.

sense of indirectness

Focuses on the lack of directness in communication, implying a roundabout approach.

certain amount of hedging

Indicates a specific quantity of deliberate avoidance of commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of equivocation" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of equivocation" to describe a statement or response that is deliberately vague or ambiguous, such as: "The politician's answer was a "kind of equivocation", designed not to offend any voters."

What are some alternatives to "kind of equivocation"?

Some alternatives include "sort of ambiguity", "type of vagueness", or "form of hedging", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "kind of equivocation" grammatically correct?

Yes, "kind of equivocation" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English to describe a specific type of ambiguity or vagueness.

What is the difference between "equivocation" and "a kind of equivocation"?

"Equivocation" refers to the act of using ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid commitment. "A "kind of equivocation"" specifies a particular instance or type of such ambiguity, suggesting a specific way in which someone is being evasive.