not so clear

USAGE SUMMARY

'not so clear' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that is difficult to understand or that is not obvious. For example: The instructions were not so clear, so I had trouble understanding what I was supposed to do.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Not so clear.

The New York Times

Now that's not so clear.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, that's not so clear either.

The New York Times

"Right now, it's not so clear.

The New Yorker

Now it is not so clear.

The Economist

It's not so clear now".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

I mean, it's not so clear-cut.

The New Yorker

We are not so clear-eyed.

The Guardian - Tech

In fact, the government's attitude is not so clear-cut.

The Economist

Often the American stake is not so clear-cut.

The New York Times

For users, the issues were not so clear-cut.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not so clear" to politely express uncertainty or disagreement without being overly critical or confrontational.

Common error

Avoid using "not so clear" in highly formal documents like legal contracts or academic papers, where more precise language is expected. Opt for terms like "ambiguous" or "ill-defined" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not so clear" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a lack of clarity or certainty. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's a common way to express that something isn't easily understood or defined.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not so clear" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of certainty or understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an adjectival phrase with a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, especially news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and opt for more precise language in formal settings. Alternatives like "ambiguous" or "ill-defined" may be more appropriate in those cases. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's usage in expressing uncertainty without being overly critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not entirely obvious

Emphasizes that the clarity is lacking, but suggests there may be some indication.

not well-defined

Highlights that the subject lacks specific boundaries or criteria.

somewhat ambiguous

Replaces the original phrase with a more formal and concise term for uncertainty.

a bit hazy

Uses a metaphor to indicate a lack of clarity or precision.

up in the air

Indicates that the outcome is uncertain or undecided.

leaves room for doubt

Suggests there is a possibility that the statement or idea is incorrect.

open to interpretation

Indicates that the meaning is subjective and can vary.

unsettled question

Emphasizes that the issue is still unresolved or undecided.

subject to debate

Highlights that the topic is controversial and lacks a definitive answer.

murky waters

Uses a metaphor to suggest the situation is confusing and potentially dangerous.

FAQs

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

You can use "not so clear" to express that something is uncertain, ambiguous, or difficult to understand. For example, "The instructions were "not so clear", so I had trouble assembling the furniture."

What is a more formal way to say "not so clear"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "ambiguous", "ill-defined", or "uncertain". These alternatives offer a more precise and professional tone.

Is "not so clear" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not so clear" is grammatically correct and commonly used in everyday English. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

What's the difference between "not so clear" and "unclear"?

"Unclear" is more direct and definitive in stating a lack of clarity. "Not so clear" is a more nuanced and gentler way of expressing the same sentiment, implying a slightly less severe lack of clarity or a reluctance to be overly critical.