more unclear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'more unclear' is grammatically correct in formal written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to something that is even less clear than before. For example, "The explanation became more unclear as he continued to explain the concept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That conflict leaves the project's outcome even more unclear.

The New York Times - Arts

The prospects of the remaining lenders are even more unclear.

The New York Times

Data are more unclear for their differential involvement in oncogenesis.

Advances in Biological Regulation

Offenbach's surviving text is a mess: much unfinished, a lot more unclear.

The New York Times - Arts

It's becoming more and more unclear to me where my place is.

The Guardian - Music

The prognosis for the physical legacy for east London is more unclear.

The Guardian - Sport

But as explanations proliferate, how it might be bridged is more unclear than ever.

The Guardian

Yes, more unclear, not more clear, as most scientists have found.

The New York Times

The chief whip has failed to draw a line under this issue and made matters more unclear.

The Guardian

What is far more unclear to the Nets is what happens if Kidd bolts for San Antonio.

The New York Times - Sports

What is rather more unclear is precisely how this complex system will respond to human induced forcings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more unclear", ensure the context clearly establishes what is already unclear. This comparative form works best when contrasting with a previous state or situation.

Common error

Be mindful not to use "more unclear" when "unclear" alone suffices. The addition of "more" should only be used when emphasizing a greater degree of ambiguity than previously established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more unclear" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a greater degree of ambiguity or lack of clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more unclear" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative adjective phrase indicating a heightened state of ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While suitable for various contexts, it's most prevalent in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants the comparative aspect—that is, something has become less clear than it previously was. Alternatives like "more ambiguous" or "less clear" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less clear

Uses a direct antonym to express a similar lack of clarity.

more ambiguous

Replaces "unclear" with a term emphasizing multiple possible interpretations.

more vague

Indicates a lack of precision or detail, similar to being unclear.

more uncertain

Shifts the focus to a lack of certainty or predictability.

more obscure

Suggests that something is hidden or not easily understood.

more undefined

Emphasizes the lack of clear boundaries or definition.

more confusing

Highlights the potential to cause bewilderment or misunderstanding.

more mysterious

Implies that something is puzzling and difficult to understand.

more opaque

Indicates a lack of transparency or understandability.

more doubtful

Highlights the uncertainty or lack of conviction surrounding something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "more unclear" in a sentence?

Use "more unclear" when comparing the current state of something to a previous, already unclear state. For example, "After the revisions, the instructions became "more unclear" than before".

What are some alternatives to using "more unclear"?

Consider using phrases like "more ambiguous", "more vague", or "less clear" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "more unclear" grammatically correct?

Yes, "more unclear" is grammatically correct, though it's a comparative form. It implies that something has become even less clear than it was previously.

When is it appropriate to use "more unclear" instead of just "unclear"?

Use "more unclear" when you want to emphasize that something has become increasingly confusing or ambiguous compared to a prior state. If the matter was never clear to begin with, "unclear" is sufficient.