not clarifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not clarifying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a lack of explanation or detail in a statement or situation. Example: "The report was not clarifying enough for the team to understand the project's objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

This distinction between hiding and not clarifying is important, with broad implications.

The New York Times

"They felt there was a value to clarifying 'retardation.' 'Developmental disabilities' was not clarifying who you are talking about".

The New York Times

For example, for writing a chapter, working on one level could involve writing about all the content, but not clarifying the argument.

The Guardian

Even if you make soup from homemade stock, "Pro Chef" will have you feeling inadequate for not clarifying it with egg whites.

The New Yorker

Vick, 33, denied that he and Kelly were trying to make it harder for the Giants to develop a defensive game plan by not clarifying his status.

The New York Times - Sports

"Best hope I've seen for US since Williams," Davenport tweeted, not clarifying if she meant the 32-year-old Venus, who has won seven Grand Slam titles, or younger sister Serena, who has won 15.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It does not clarify.

The Guardian

Mr. Obama did not clarify his intentions Friday.

The New York Times

The latest statistics do not clarify the situation.

The New York Times

"But he does not clarify how exactly he has changed".

The New York Times

A Yeshiva spokeswoman could not clarify this on Friday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not clarifying", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking clarification. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid using "not clarifying" in overly passive constructions, as it can weaken the impact of your writing. Instead of saying "The issue was not clarifying", try "The report did not clarify the issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not clarifying" functions as a verb phrase, typically part of a larger clause, to indicate a lack of providing clear information or explanation. As Ludwig AI points out, this suggests a failure to illuminate or make something more understandable, as shown in many examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not clarifying" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate a lack of explanation or detail. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While there are semantically similar alternatives like ""failing to clarify"" or ""avoiding clarification"", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Remember to avoid overly passive constructions to maintain a strong and direct writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failing to clarify

Emphasizes the failure to provide clarification, implying a missed opportunity or obligation.

avoiding clarification

Highlights the act of deliberately steering clear of making something clear.

leaving unclarified

Focuses on the state of something remaining without clarification.

refusing to explain

Indicates a deliberate refusal to provide an explanation.

remaining vague

Shifts the focus to the result of not clarifying, which is a lack of clarity.

omitting details

Highlights the act of leaving out crucial information, leading to a lack of clarity.

obscuring the issue

Suggests that the lack of clarification is intentionally making the issue less clear.

bypassing explanation

Emphasizes the act of skipping or going around the need for explanation.

sidestepping clarity

Implies a strategic avoidance of making something clear or understandable.

evading definition

Focuses on avoiding a clear and precise definition of something.

FAQs

How can I use "not clarifying" in a sentence?

You can use "not clarifying" to describe a situation where something is not being made clear or is lacking explanation. For example, "The company is "not clarifying" exactly how this deal was structured".

What are some alternatives to "not clarifying"?

Alternatives include "failing to clarify", "avoiding clarification", or "remaining vague". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not clarifying" or "failing to clarify"?

Both "not clarifying" and ""failing to clarify"" are grammatically correct, but "failing to clarify" might emphasize a missed opportunity or obligation to provide clarity.

What's the difference between "not clarifying" and "not explaining"?

"Not clarifying" implies a lack of making something clear, while "not explaining" indicates a complete absence of explanation. The choice depends on whether there's an attempt at explanation that falls short, or no explanation at all.