not clear

USAGE SUMMARY

"not clear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is not easily understood or seen. Example: The directions for this task were not clear, so I had to call for help.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why, is not clear.

The Economist

Now, I'm not clear".

The New York Times

(That's not clear yet).

The New York Times - Arts

But it's not clear.

The New York Times

Not clear to me.

The New Yorker

I'm not clear.

The New Yorker

It's not clear.

The New York Times

It is not clear.

The New York Times

It's not clear why.

The New York Times

The causes are not clear.

The New York Times

It's not clear how much.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not clear", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand what specifically lacks clarity. Avoid vague statements without specifying the subject.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "not clear" without explaining why it isn't. Instead, provide specific details about the ambiguity or lack of information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not clear" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of clarity, understanding, or visibility. Ludwig shows its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

24%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not clear" is a versatile and frequently used adjective phrase to express a lack of clarity or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, making it suitable for neutral and sometimes formal communication. While "not clear" is effective, consider synonyms like "unclear" or "ambiguous" for stylistic variation. When using "not clear", providing context to explain why something lacks clarity will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear

A more concise, one-word synonym, directly expressing a lack of clarity.

ambiguous

Focuses on the possibility of multiple interpretations.

vague

Emphasizes a lack of precision or detail.

obscure

Suggests that the information is hidden or difficult to find.

indistinct

Highlights a lack of sharp definition or boundaries.

not well-defined

Replaces "clear" with its antonym "well-defined".

poorly understood

Shifts the focus to the lack of comprehension.

subject to interpretation

Highlights the possibility of multiple valid understandings.

open to question

Indicates that the matter is uncertain or debatable.

lacking clarity

Formal alternative focusing on the absence of clearness.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not clear" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "unclear", "ambiguous", or "lacking clarity" for a more professional tone.

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

When something is described as "not clear", it means it is difficult to understand, interpret, or see. It implies a lack of clarity or precision.

Which is correct, "not clear" or "unclear"?

Both "not clear" and "unclear" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Unclear" is a more concise option, while "not clear" can sometimes provide a slightly different emphasis.

What can I say instead of "it's not clear" when describing something?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "it's uncertain", "it's ambiguous", or "it's vague" to convey a similar meaning.