more vague

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more vague" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the level of vagueness between two or more statements or ideas. Example: "The second explanation was more vague than the first, leaving us confused about the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Her other proposals are more vague.

The Economist

I mean, could they be more vague?

The New York Times

It's more vague and potentially broad than that.

The New York Times

It is so much more vague than that.

The New York Times - Arts

McGowan is more vague, saying it is "hypothetical".

The Guardian

The rest of the interview was even more vague.

The Guardian - Opinion

In other words, Yellen had somehow managed to render the phrase "considerable time" even more vague.

The New Yorker

Israel, which considers Iran its most dangerous enemy, has been more vague.

The New York Times

The closer science gets to politics, the more vague and less convincing Thiel's thinking becomes.

The New Yorker

Since the summit, the demands have become more concrete and talk of aid even more vague.

The Economist

Saban's contract lays out many of the perks he receives, while Miles's is more vague.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more vague", ensure that the comparison is clear. Specify what the subject is being compared to in terms of vagueness to avoid ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "more vague" without a clear point of reference. Saying something is "more vague" implies a comparison, so make sure to explicitly state what it's being compared to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more vague" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating a higher degree of vagueness relative to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for comparing the clarity or specificity of different subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more vague" serves as a comparative adjective, typically used to express a relative lack of clarity or specificity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure a clear comparison point to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "less specific" or "more ambiguous" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. The frequency of "more vague" is very common, solidifying its place in general English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less specific

Indicates a lower level of detail or precision.

less clear

Emphasizes a reduced level of clarity or understanding.

more ambiguous

Highlights the presence of multiple possible interpretations.

more indefinite

Suggests a lack of defined limits or boundaries.

more imprecise

Focuses on a lack of exactness or accuracy.

more uncertain

Highlights a lack of confidence or sureness.

more ill-defined

Emphasizes the absence of clear boundaries or characteristics.

more obscure

Suggests that the information is hidden or not easily accessible.

more nebulous

Implies a lack of distinct form or shape.

more blurred

Indicates a lack of sharp distinction or definition.

FAQs

How do I use "more vague" in a sentence?

Use "more vague" to compare the level of vagueness between two or more things. For example: "The second explanation was "more vague" than the first."

What can I say instead of "more vague"?

You can use alternatives like "less specific", "less clear", or "more ambiguous" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "more vague" or "vaguer"?

Both "more vague" and "vaguer" are grammatically correct. "Vaguer" is a shorter, single-word comparative form, while "more vague" is a periphrastic comparative. The choice often depends on style and rhythm.

What's the difference between "more vague" and "less precise"?

"More vague" refers to a lack of clarity or distinctness, while "less precise" refers to a lack of exactness or accuracy. Although related, vagueness emphasizes a lack of definition, while imprecision emphasizes a lack of accuracy. For example, a statement could be "more vague" about the subject but still precise in its description.