opaque guidance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opaque guidance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe instructions or advice that are unclear or difficult to understand. Example: "The project manager provided opaque guidance, leaving the team confused about the next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

(To get a sense of how cumbersome this is likely to be for most patients, read the opaque guidance on the FDA's information page on personal importation. After several readings, I still don't understand the exact steps to the process). So it's fair to argue that thanks to Marathon, more patients can now access the drug.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Answer: a handful of people have had "legal experiences", several of which have been Confusing, Opaque, Difficult to Navigate, Without Clear Guidance, Overwhelming.

Stanford University

The boundary between complication and complexity is fuzzy, but once crossed the guidance sought from modelling and simulation becomes increasingly opaque.

Futures

In this case, the range in diameter was proper for single axon guidance, but, since the carrying substrate materials are opaque, cell growth dynamics were difficult to monitor through live-cell imaging.

ACS Nano

In the Byzantine and often opaque business of filmmaking, the list of about 100 scripts also provides guidance in an increasingly risk-averse industry.

Los Angeles Times

Potential applications of this finding may include: non-invasive intra-operative light guidance and follow-up of photodynamic interventions, determination of light diffusion in opaque tissues for optical imaging and possible assistance to the blind.

Plosone

Milo M. Benningfield, of Benningfield Financial Advisors in San Francisco, rattled off a number of them this week, including increased hedge fund activity; lack of guidance on corporate earnings, leading to surprises and stock gyrations each quarter; and opaque company balance sheets, which the companies themselves seem to revalue every few months.

The New York Times

"Often opaque".

The New York Times

They are opaque.

Cornell University

JR himself is opaque.

The New York Times

Parties' accounts are opaque.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "opaque guidance", consider pairing it with a specific example of the confusion caused by the lack of clarity. This provides concrete evidence and strengthens your point.

Common error

Don't assume your audience will understand what you mean by "opaque guidance" without further explanation. Always clarify what makes the guidance unclear or difficult to follow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opaque guidance" functions as a descriptive term, modifying the noun 'guidance'. It highlights the quality of the guidance being unclear or difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opaque guidance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe advice or instructions that are unclear and difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for use in written English. While not a very common expression, it appears across various contexts, including news, academic, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure you provide specific examples of the lack of clarity to enhance understanding. Consider alternatives like ""unclear instructions"" or ""vague directions"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear instructions

Focuses on the lack of clarity in the instructions themselves.

vague directions

Highlights the lack of specificity and detail in the directions.

ambiguous advice

Emphasizes the potential for multiple interpretations of the advice.

confusing counsel

Stresses the bewilderment and lack of understanding caused by the counsel.

murky instructions

Implies that the instructions are obscure and difficult to see through.

impenetrable advice

Suggests the advice is impossible to understand or make sense of.

cryptic directions

Highlights the mysterious and enigmatic nature of the directions.

inscrutable guidance

Emphasizes the difficulty in interpreting or understanding the guidance.

nebulous instructions

Suggests the instructions are hazy, ill-defined, and lacking clear boundaries.

obscure directions

Implies that the directions are not well-known or easily discovered.

FAQs

How can I use "opaque guidance" in a sentence?

You can use "opaque guidance" to describe situations where instructions or advice are unclear and difficult to understand. For example, "The project suffered due to the "opaque guidance" provided by the consultant."

What is an alternative to saying "opaque guidance"?

Alternatives to "opaque guidance" include "unclear instructions", "vague directions", or "ambiguous advice". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does "opaque" mean in the context of "opaque guidance"?

In this context, "opaque" means difficult to see through or understand. "Opaque guidance" suggests that the advice is not transparent or easily interpreted.

Is "opaque guidance" a negative term?

Yes, "opaque guidance" generally carries a negative connotation, as it implies that the advice or instructions are not helpful due to their lack of clarity. The phrase suggests a lack of transparency and a difficulty in understanding the information provided.