not absolutely clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not absolutely clear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something is vague or lacks clarity. Example: "The instructions provided were not absolutely clear, leading to confusion among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"However, it is not absolutely clear what should be done".

The Guardian

"It's not absolutely clear that we made the right decision," Mr. Kapor conceded.

The New York Times

While the figures were "genuinely put together" they were "not absolutely clear", he told the committee.

The Guardian

The remains of the czar's son, Aleksei, and one daughter, whose identity is still not absolutely clear, were missing.

The New York Times

Thus, it is not absolutely clear that monetary and fiscal policies will in all cases suffice to cure an external deficit, at least without socially unacceptable results.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He said: "The reason for this is perhaps a co-ordination issue … we were obviously not absolutely clear whether there were Afghan national security forces in the area".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Confirmatory factor analyses revealed some correlated errors indicating that the scale's underlying theoretical construct is not absolutely clear-cut.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

Sir Paul's own current opinion of drugs isn't absolutely clear.

The New York Times - Arts

The segments are amiably amusing, but any deeper meaning (human beings have been the same forever?) isn't absolutely clear.

The New York Times

Challengingly, one of the very first scenes shows David washing a young woman in a specially modified shower unit that allows her to be seated: the young woman is so sick, and all but silent and immobile, that it isn't absolutely clear in one later stage whether he is attending to her dead body.

The Guardian - Film

First, he claimed that it wasn't absolutely clear, even during the manic market run-up of 1999, that something was amiss: "it was very difficult to definitively identify a bubble until after the fact -- that is, when its bursting confirmed its existence".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not absolutely clear" to introduce areas needing further investigation or research, indicating that a conclusion cannot be definitively reached with the current information.

Common error

Avoid using "not absolutely clear" as a vague dismissal. Always specify what isn't clear and, if possible, suggest avenues for clarification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not absolutely clear" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or clause, indicating a state of ambiguity or uncertainty. It's used to express that something is not fully understood or defined, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not absolutely clear" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to express a lack of complete certainty or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts, although it's considered uncommon. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, it serves to acknowledge ambiguity or uncertainty, signaling a need for further clarification. To enhance writing, avoid vague uses and always specify what lacks clarity. Alternatives like "somewhat unclear" or "not entirely clear" offer similar nuances. Always remember to qualify your statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not entirely clear

Suggests that clarity is lacking to a considerable extent, similar in strength to the original phrase.

somewhat unclear

Indicates a slight lack of clarity; less emphatic than the original phrase.

not fully understood

Indicates an incomplete comprehension of the subject matter.

remains uncertain

Highlights the continuous unresolved aspect of the subject.

a bit hazy

Implies a lack of sharpness or precision, focusing on a less defined understanding.

rather vague

Focuses on the imprecision and lack of detail in the information.

ambiguous

It indicates that it can be interpreted in more than one way.

open to interpretation

Highlights the possibility of multiple valid understandings or perspectives.

murky

Highlights the fact that it is obscure and difficult to comprehend.

subject to debate

Emphasizes the controversial nature of the topic and invites discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "not absolutely clear" in a sentence?

Use "not absolutely clear" to express a lack of complete certainty or understanding about something. For example, "It is "not absolutely clear" what the long-term effects of the policy will be."

What are some alternatives to "not absolutely clear"?

Alternatives include "somewhat unclear", "not entirely clear", or "remains uncertain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "not absolutely clear" or "unclear"?

"Not absolutely clear" emphasizes a stronger degree of uncertainty compared to simply "unclear". The choice depends on how much you want to stress the lack of clarity. They are interchangeable in some contexts, but "not absolutely clear" can add emphasis.

What does it mean when something is "not absolutely clear"?

It means that the information or situation is vague, ambiguous, or lacks the necessary details to form a definite conclusion. It indicates that further investigation or clarification is needed. You can say, for example, the matter remains uncertain.