largely unclear

USAGE SUMMARY

"largely unclear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is difficult to understand or comprehend, or has never been clearly explained or understood. Example: Despite extensive research, the cause of the disease is largely unclear.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, the potential neurotoxicity of SiNPs remains largely unclear.

Toxicology Letters

The mechanisms that underlie its development are largely unclear.

Journal of Molecular Biology

However, its effects on ion currents and membrane potential remain largely unclear.

Yale University

However, few of these molecules have been identified, leaving the mechanisms of interkingdom interactions largely unclear.

Princeton University

However, the underlying molecular mechanisms for response to GO exposure are still largely unclear.

Carbon

The identity of cortical circuits mediating nociception and pain is largely unclear.

Nature

What that could mean to Fred Wilpon and the Mets is largely unclear.

The New York Times - Sports

However, the functional roles for the majority of these methylations remain largely unclear.

Current Opinion in Chemical Biology

The molecular mechanisms underlying pluripotency and lineage specification from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are largely unclear.

Cell Stem Cell

However, the effects of the selection process until consultation as patient are largely unclear.

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

The molecular basis for PI4KIIIβ activation during viral infection has remained largely unclear.

Structure

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "largely unclear" to acknowledge uncertainty while implying that some aspects might be understood. This nuanced approach adds precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "largely unclear" when the subject is completely unknown. Opt for phrases like "completely unknown" or "entirely uncertain" to accurately reflect the extent of the lack of understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "largely unclear" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state of something being mostly unknown or not well understood. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

78%

News & Media

13%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "largely unclear" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that is mostly unknown or misunderstood. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a valuable tool for acknowledging uncertainty in various contexts, particularly in scientific research, news reporting, and academic discussions. While alternatives like "essentially unclear" or "substantially unclear" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use "largely unclear" when some aspects are known but significant ambiguity remains, avoiding its use when the subject is completely unknown. With a strong presence in authoritative sources such as ScienceDirect and Nature, "largely unclear" signifies a reliable and versatile phrase for expressing measured uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essentially unclear

Emphasizes the fundamental lack of clarity.

mainly unclear

Focuses on the principal aspect that is not well-defined.

substantially unclear

Highlights the considerable degree of uncertainty.

generally unclear

Indicates a widespread lack of clarity.

basically unclear

Points to the foundational lack of understanding.

somewhat unclear

Suggests a partial lack of clarity.

largely mysterious

Implies the uncertainty stems from an inexplicable nature.

largely undefined

Highlights the lack of a clear definition or boundary.

largely vague

Indicates a lack of precision or detail.

largely obscure

Suggests the uncertainty is due to something being hidden or not easily accessible.

FAQs

How can I use "largely unclear" in a sentence?

Use "largely unclear" to describe something that is mostly, but not entirely, unknown or misunderstood. For example: "The mechanism behind this phenomenon remains "largely unclear"".

What are some alternatives to saying "largely unclear"?

You can use alternatives such as "essentially unclear", "substantially unclear", or "mainly unclear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "largely unclear" or "completely unclear"?

The choice depends on the degree of uncertainty. Use "completely unclear" when there's no understanding whatsoever. Use "largely unclear" when some aspects are known, but significant uncertainty remains.

What's the difference between "largely unclear" and "somewhat unclear"?

"Largely unclear" indicates a greater degree of uncertainty than "somewhat unclear". "Somewhat unclear" suggests that the subject is partially understood, while "largely unclear" suggests the opposite.