murky details

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "murky details" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to unclear or confusing aspects of a situation or information. Example: "The report was filled with murky details that left everyone more confused than informed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Ferreting out the murky details of the financial scandal, and meting out appropriate punishments, is no less urgent or important.

The New York Times

The murky details complicated matters even more, with Pakistani officials saying the attack on two Pakistani border posts was unprovoked and Afghan officials asserting that Afghan and American commandos called in airstrikes after coming under fire from Pakistani territory.

The New York Times

And despite the murky details, the case offers a glimpse of the push and pull among tech companies and the intelligence and law enforcement agencies that try to tap into the reams of personal data stored on their servers.

The New York Times

But at least two of the groups named in the video later said it did not reflect their opinion, reinforcing the murky details surrounding the groups fighting the Syrian government.

The New York Times

The Tanizaki story is related entirely in the third person, with the narrator continually turning over the events in his mind and questioning the murky details of a story that obsesses him.

The New York Times

It is a battle around the murky details of long-ago events: among other things, Detective Vasquez in 1997 pulled a gun in a bar fight, and before that he shot a neighbor's stray Rottweiler.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The band members appear to sing to us from the bottom of the ocean, captured in appropriately murky detail using the Kinect.

Vice

According to the still-murky details, Arenas and Crittenton began arguing during a high-stakes card game.

The New York Times - Sports

The innovative tool promises to clarify the still-murky details of the initial infection process and may help guide drug, vaccine, and cure research in people.

Science Magazine

This practice is blessed by a legal system overwhelmed with foreclosure cases and unable to sort out murky legal details, and a set of law firms who mass produce filings to move foreclosures as quickly as possible.

Huffington Post

One of the murkier episodes detailed in the report relates to the employment of an electrician who was a member of Netanyahu's own Likud party, and who, because of that, was not authorised to do state-funded work at their private home.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "murky details", ensure that the surrounding context provides some indication of the source or nature of the obscurity. This helps to ground the phrase and prevent it from feeling vague or unsubstantiated.

Common error

Avoid using "murky details" as a standalone critique. Always provide context or examples to illustrate why the details are considered murky. Without such support, the phrase can come across as unsubstantiated opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "murky details" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "murky" modifies the noun "details". It describes the quality of the details as being unclear, obscure, or suspicious. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “murky details” is a commonly used phrase to describe unclear, obscure, or suspicious information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, used to express a lack of clarity or transparency. When using “murky details”, ensure that the context provides a clear indication of the source or nature of the obscurity and avoid overuse without substantiation. Consider using alternative phrases like "obscure specifics" or "vague particulars" to add nuance. Overall, it is a valuable expression for describing complex and potentially misleading situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obscure specifics

Focuses on the lack of clarity in particular elements.

unclear specifics

Directly indicates that the specific information is not clear.

vague particulars

Highlights the indefinite nature of the information.

nebulous details

Indicates that the details are not well-defined.

shadowy aspects

Implies a hidden or suspicious nature to the information.

dubious elements

Suggests that certain elements are questionable or unreliable.

fishy aspects

Suggests that certain elements are not trustworthy.

shady circumstances

Emphasizes that the context surrounding the details is questionable.

questionable items

Highlights the potential incredibility of the information.

tenuous data

Highlights the weakness or unreliability of the data in question.

FAQs

How can I use "murky details" in a sentence?

You can use "murky details" to describe unclear or suspicious information. For example: "The investigation revealed only "murky details" about the company's finances."

What are some alternatives to "murky details"?

Alternatives to "murky details" include "obscure specifics", "unclear specifics", or "vague particulars", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "murky details"?

It's appropriate to use "murky details" when discussing situations where the information available is incomplete, confusing, or potentially misleading. It's often used in the context of investigations, scandals, or complex historical events.

What's the difference between "murky details" and "missing details"?

"Murky details" suggests that the available information is unclear or suspicious, while "missing details" simply indicates that some information is absent. "Murky details" implies a level of confusion or potential deception that "missing details" does not.