message is vague

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'message is vague' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a message that is unclear or hard to understand. For example: The email sent from my manager was difficult to interpret—the message was quite vague.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If the incoming message is vague ("Life sucks. I'm freaking out"), the reply will be more open-ended, while gently pressing for greater specificity ("So what's going on tonight?").

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Beyond deficit reduction, his message was vague, except for some protectionist rants and his penchant to see conspiracies.

The New York Times

Mr. Harrell's message was vague in both time and place, the judge said, and it was unclear who the victims were, and the degree of their suffering.

The New York Times

The message was vague: "I'm stuck at the Westgate.

BBC

But the messages are vague and garbled, and he doesn't know how to respond.

Vice

The messaging change is vague, but has the potential to help Facebook users avoid missing Messages from non-friends that right now might be getting shuttled into the "Other Inbox" that few check or even know about.

TechCrunch

Ultimately, Christmas is just like Christ himself: An idea whose message is historically vague and culturally incestuous enough that it can be moulded into whatever you need it to be.

Vice

Ultimately, Christmas is just like Christ himself: An idea whose message is historically vague and culturally incestuous enough that it can be molded into whatever you need it to be.

Vice

And he has also dropped the idea of a coalition with the Bloc Québécois and the NDP.Mr Ignatieff's message has been vague and general: that the Liberals believe in an activist federal government with a national vision whereas the Conservatives do not.

The Economist

The language is vague.

Forbes

"Everything is vague," he says.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you find that the "message is vague", ask for clarification by pinpointing the parts that are unclear or need more explanation. This helps to refine the communication and reduces misunderstandings.

Common error

Don't assume your audience understands a "message is vague". Always provide context, clear definitions, and concrete examples to ensure the message is accessible and easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "message is vague" functions as a subject complement, where "message" is the subject and "is vague" describes the state or condition of the message. Ludwig AI indicates that it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Informal

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "message is vague" is a grammatically sound and neutrally registered expression used to denote a lack of clarity or specificity in communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. While not exceedingly common, its presence in reputable news sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker underscores its utility in describing ambiguous or unclear communications. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and consider alternatives like "the message lacks clarity" or "the message is unclear" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the message is unclear

Simply states the message isn't easy to understand.

the message lacks clarity

Focuses on the absence of clear and understandable communication.

the message is ambiguous

Highlights the potential for multiple interpretations of the message.

the message is poorly defined

Emphasizes the lack of precise boundaries or details in the message.

the message is lacking in detail

Points out the absence of specific information within the message.

the message is imprecise

Indicates a lack of accuracy or exactness in the message.

the message is nebulous

Suggests the message is hazy, indistinct, or ill-defined.

the message is obscure

Implies the message is difficult to understand due to being hidden or not easily discovered.

the message is indeterminate

Suggests the message is not fixed or established, leaving room for speculation.

the message is equivocal

Highlights the message's open to two or more interpretations and often intended to mislead.

FAQs

How can I use "message is vague" in a sentence?

You can use "message is vague" to describe any communication that lacks clarity or specificity. For example, "The initial announcement was confusing because the message was vague".

What does it mean when the "message is vague"?

When the "message is vague", it means that the information being conveyed is unclear, imprecise, or lacking in detail, making it difficult to understand the intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "message is vague"?

You can use alternatives like "the message lacks clarity", "the message is ambiguous", or "the message is unclear" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to have a vague or a clear message?

It is generally better to have a clear message. A "message is vague" can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and inefficiencies, while a clear message ensures that the intended meaning is accurately conveyed and understood.