nebulous characters

USAGE SUMMARY

"nebulous characters" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Generally, it is used to describe a character that is unclear or difficult to understand. For example, "The author created nebulous characters that the reader could not clearly comprehend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I'd attach a centre like this to every social-work department, and I'd put all the children in need, all the nebulous characters, into the centre as members," she says.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Oceane is an oddly nebulous character but some of the cameo parts are superb.

The Guardian - Books

"Who knows?" he concludes.In this section Stephen Harper and that elusive majority New names, old games Shallow graves, deepening alarm Smoked out ReprintsTheir nebulous character does not diminish the threat that such outfits pose to Colombia.

The Economist

"I experience my person," he said, "as a nebulous persona".

The New York Times - Arts

After that, I decided it wasn't worth the stress, time, and disappointment to do any more nebulous original character sketches.

Vice

Mr. Gitai might agree, for his characters inhabit a nebulous region drawn in equal measure from the worlds of Orthodoxy and an artist's imagination.

The New York Times

There wasn't anything on the character and the character kind of was nebulous.

Huffington Post

But I hope that sometime soon we will stop using the nebulous — and politically correct — term "character" and instead call it what it is: emotional maturity.

The New York Times

Nebulous indeed is the search for interlocking character and spiritual traits between a Mahler, a Mendelssohn or a Schoenberg.

The New York Times - Arts

If people start disregarding polling data entirely and voting for candidates based on their programmes, their party affiliations, or even something as nebulous and potentially misleading as their perceived character, that's probably all to the good.Point two: Nonetheless, the gain here would come at a price that's far too high.

The Economist

While her characters experience sex in a vague, nebulous way, viewing partners as a collective force, Schiff writes about loss in a way that's painfully specific.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nebulous characters" when you want to convey that characters are not easily understood or defined, contributing to a sense of mystery or uncertainty in your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "nebulous characters" when simpler terms like "unclear characters" or "vague characters" would suffice. Overusing sophisticated vocabulary can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nebulous characters" functions as an adjective-noun combination. The adjective "nebulous" modifies the noun "characters", describing their lack of clarity or definition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Encyclopedias

0.3%

Wiki

0.3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nebulous characters" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon way to describe individuals who lack clear definition or are difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a valid phrase for written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to convey uncertainty or ambiguity about the nature of these characters. When using this phrase, be mindful of its sophisticated tone and ensure it fits the overall style of your writing. Alternatives such as "ill-defined characters" or "vague characters" may be more appropriate in simpler contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ill-defined characters

Replaces "nebulous" with a more direct synonym, emphasizing the lack of clear definition.

vague characters

Similar to "nebulous", but perhaps implies a lack of detail rather than a lack of clear form.

ambiguous characters

Highlights the uncertainty and openness to interpretation in the characters' nature.

poorly defined characters

Focuses on the deficiency in the characters' development or presentation.

underdeveloped characters

Suggests the characters are incomplete or lack sufficient backstory and depth.

amorphous characters

Implies a lack of fixed form or structure, emphasizing the characters' fluidity.

shadowy figures

Emphasizes the mystery and obscurity surrounding the characters.

inscrutable characters

Highlights the difficulty in understanding the characters' motivations and inner thoughts.

elusive personalities

Focuses on the characters' tendency to avoid capture or understanding.

indistinct characters

Suggests that the characters blend into the background or lack noticeable qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "nebulous characters" in a sentence?

You might say, "The play featured several "nebulous characters" whose motives remained unclear until the final act".

What does it mean to describe a character as "nebulous"?

Describing a character as "nebulous" means they are unclear, vague, or lack a distinct form or definition. Their traits and intentions may be difficult to discern.

What are some alternatives to "nebulous characters"?

Consider using alternatives like "ill-defined characters", "vague characters", or "ambiguous characters" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "nebulous characters" in formal writing?

Yes, "nebulous characters" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when analyzing literature or discussing character development. However, ensure it fits the overall tone and isn't overly verbose for the context.