not immediately clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not immediately clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when the meaning of something is not immediately evident. For example, "The professor's instructions were not immediately clear, so I had to ask them for clarification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That was not immediately clear.

The New York Times

This is not immediately clear from polls.

The Economist

His status was not immediately clear.

The New York Times - Sports

The response was not immediately clear.

The New York Times

It was not immediately clear why.

The New York Times

The exact meaning was not immediately clear.

The New Yorker

It was not immediately clear what happened.

The New York Times

It's just not immediately clear what.

The New York Times

Their relationship was not immediately clear.

The New York Times

The purpose was not immediately clear.

The Guardian - Opinion

A motive was not immediately clear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "not immediately clear" with a reason or explanation if possible. For example: "The reason for the delay was not immediately clear, prompting speculation among the team members."

Common error

Avoid using overly passive constructions that obscure the subject. Instead of saying "It was not immediately clear what was done", prefer "It was not immediately clear who did it" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not immediately clear" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a state where something is not easily understood or apparent upon initial observation. Ludwig examples demonstrate this use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not immediately clear" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to express a lack of initial understanding or obviousness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media and scientific publications. While alternatives like "not readily apparent" and "not instantly obvious" offer similar meanings, "not immediately clear" strikes a balance between formality and accessibility, making it a valuable tool for precise and nuanced communication. Remember to provide context when using this phrase to ensure clarity and avoid overly passive constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not readily apparent

Emphasizes that the information is not easily visible or obvious.

not instantly obvious

Highlights that the information doesn't register right away.

not directly evident

Stresses that the information is not straightforward or explicit.

not plainly understood

Focuses on the lack of clear comprehension.

not easily grasped

Indicates difficulty in comprehending the information.

remains uncertain

Emphasizes the continuing lack of certainty or clarity.

obscure at first glance

Highlights the initial difficulty in understanding something.

initially ambiguous

Focuses on the initial state of being open to multiple interpretations.

requires further investigation

Indicates that more information is needed to clarify the situation.

details are lacking

Highlights the absence of sufficient information to make something clear.

FAQs

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

Use "not immediately clear" to express that something is not easily understood or apparent at first glance. For example, "The implications of the new policy were "not immediately clear" to the employees".

What are some alternatives to saying "not immediately clear"?

You can use alternatives like "not readily apparent", "not instantly obvious", or "not directly evident" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "not immediately clear" or "unclear"?

"Not immediately clear" suggests that understanding may be possible with further investigation or time, whereas "unclear" implies a more general lack of clarity. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It means that the information, reason, or outcome is not obvious or easily understood without further explanation or investigation. It suggests a temporary lack of clarity rather than complete obscurity.