not really clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not really clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or confusion about a particular point or statement. Example: "The instructions provided were not really clear, which led to some misunderstandings during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is not really clear.

The New York Times - Arts

But his 'cause' was not really clear.

The New York Times

That's not really clear at all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why he called them "sinfonias" is not really clear.

The New York Times - Arts

It's not really clear whether he has any.

The New York Times

What's not really clear, though, is what happens now.

The New Yorker

I'm not really clear on why Iceland should be responsible.

The New York Times

"And that's not really clear at the moment.

The Guardian

"It's not really clear what the reason is," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Indeed, it's not really clear who "we" would be, in those circumstances.

The New York Times

It's such a cliche adage that it's not really clear what sport it originally referred to.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not really clear" to express a polite form of disagreement or to soften a statement about something being confusing or poorly explained.

Common error

Avoid using "not really clear" excessively in formal academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "ambiguous" or "requires further clarification" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not really clear" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to express a state of uncertainty or lack of understanding. Ludwig AI confirms this, with examples showcasing its use in various contexts to describe ambiguous situations or unclear information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not really clear" is a commonly used adjective phrase to express a lack of clarity or understanding. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely employed in news and media, as well as in scientific and business contexts. While generally neutral, its informality suggests avoiding excessive use in formal writing, opting instead for more precise alternatives like "ambiguous" or "lacking clarity". When aiming to convey that a concept or instruction is not fully understood without being overly critical or negative, the phrase is a suitable option. A wide range of alternatives can be used depending on the context, such as "not entirely obvious" or "somewhat ambiguous".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not entirely obvious

Emphasizes that something is not immediately apparent or easily perceived.

somewhat ambiguous

Highlights that something is open to multiple interpretations, leading to uncertainty.

a bit hazy

Suggests a lack of clarity, as if something is obscured or indistinct.

rather vague

Indicates a lack of precision or detail, resulting in a general sense of uncertainty.

not fully understood

Focuses on the lack of comprehension regarding a particular subject or concept.

still uncertain

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the lack of clarity or resolution.

remains questionable

Highlights that a particular matter is subject to doubt or debate.

not readily apparent

Indicates that something is not easily or immediately visible or understood.

open to interpretation

Suggests that the meaning of something is subjective and can vary depending on individual perspectives.

difficult to grasp

Emphasizes the challenge in understanding or comprehending something.

FAQs

What does "not really clear" mean?

The phrase "not really clear" suggests that something is somewhat confusing, ambiguous, or lacking in detail. It implies a lack of full understanding.

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

You can use "not really clear" to express uncertainty or confusion about a topic. For example: "The instructions were "not really clear", so I had trouble assembling the product."

What can I say instead of "not really clear"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat ambiguous", "not entirely obvious", or "difficult to grasp" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "not really clear" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "not really clear" might be perceived as informal in certain contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives such as "ambiguous" or "lacking clarity".