make ambiguous

USAGE SUMMARY

"make ambiguous" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of creating uncertainty or vagueness in meaning. For example: "The author's choice of words can make ambiguous the intended message." Alternative expressions include "create ambiguity" and "render unclear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This gave me a structural insight into how to make ambiguous rhythms – ie where's the downbeat?

The Guardian - Music

Even the most conscientious officials may make ambiguous statements that disclose only part of the truth, and that misleadingly - as when Condoleezza Rice answered questions about rendition and torture at a press conference in Ukraine in December.

The New York Times - Magazine

So, within the current political context in Russia, Putin could be taken to mean 'transitional".' Another possible etymology is the verb putat, meaning "to swaddle, bind" and, by extension, "to confuse, make ambiguous, entangle".

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's one that I feel comfortable with as a statement about life itself and my leaving it," Mr. Howard said, noting the final lines: And, in the isolation of the sky, At evening, casual flocks of pigeons make Ambiguous undulations as they sink, Downward to darkness, on extended wings.

The New York Times

You can't make ambiguous shit anymore.

Vice

Local patterns of linkage disequilibrium (LD) in such hit regions can make ambiguous both the number of underlying true signals and the identity of the loci that most directly give rise to them [e.g., Strange et al., 2010].

Genetic Epidemiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But choosing a location may be the least of the problems for the builders, with the Energy Department making ambiguous statements about its commitment to the project.

The New York Times

Egyptian politicians have used such claims to portray the dam as a threat to national security, and have occasionally made ambiguous statements about the possibility of military action.

The Guardian

Allowing the trial to proceed would turn election law on its head, Mr. Edwards's lawyers contend, making ambiguous for all candidates what does or does not count as a campaign contribution.

The New York Times

But Anthony M. Kennedy, who voted to strike down the tribunals in 2006, did not join that part of their opinion and made ambiguous comments about his views in his concurrence.

The New York Times

Theory makes ambiguous predictions about the effect of centralized collective bargaining on the level of unemployment.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make ambiguous", ensure the context clarifies what is being made ambiguous and why. This enhances clarity and avoids unintended confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "make ambiguous" without providing sufficient context. Ensure your writing clarifies what is becoming ambiguous and the potential consequences of this ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make ambiguous" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of causing something to become unclear or open to multiple interpretations. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in various contexts. The phrase is deemed correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make ambiguous" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies the act of causing something to be unclear or open to multiple interpretations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in diverse contexts, spanning news media, science, and wiki sources. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to provide ample context when employing this phrase. Alternatives such as "obscure" or "confuse" can offer subtle variations in meaning. When using "make ambiguous", clarity is important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obscure

Focuses on making something less clear or harder to perceive.

confuse

Emphasizes creating a state of mental uncertainty or bewilderment.

muddle

Suggests a state of disorder or lack of clarity.

equivocate

Indicates speaking in a way that is intentionally vague or evasive.

cloud

Implies making something less clear by obscuring it, like a cloud obscuring the sun.

muddy the waters

Means to make a situation more confused and less clear.

render uncertain

Focuses on causing something to be not definitely known or established.

create uncertainty

Highlights the act of bringing about a lack of sureness.

introduce vagueness

Focuses on adding a lack of definiteness or clarity.

complicate matters

Suggests making a situation more complex and difficult to understand.

FAQs

How can I use "make ambiguous" in a sentence?

You can use "make ambiguous" to describe the act of causing something to be unclear or open to multiple interpretations. For example, "The vague wording was intended to make ambiguous the company's true intentions".

What are some alternatives to "make ambiguous"?

Alternatives include "obscure", "confuse", or "muddle". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "make ambiguous" or "create ambiguity"?

Both "make ambiguous" and "create ambiguity" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the surrounding words in the sentence.

What's the difference between "make ambiguous" and "make obscure"?

"Make ambiguous" suggests creating multiple possible interpretations, while "make obscure" ("make obscure") implies concealing or making something difficult to understand.