quite unclear

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite unclear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the lack of clarity of something. For example: "The instructions were quite unclear and I wasn't sure what to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was quite unclear what this was about.

The New York Times

As a result, it's quite unclear whether injection wells or fracking would qualify.

University of California, Berkeley

Unfortunately, current interpretations and quantification procedures of embodied energy and greenhouse gases are quite unclear.

Building and Environment

"It is quite unclear what will be in the NDIS for mental health carers," Branton said.

The Guardian

It's quite unclear how a face pleasing to Trump or anyone else will aid in that.

The Washington Post

The state of federal law regarding recidivist sentencing, and disproportionate sentencing in general, is in fact quite unclear.

The New York Times

However, it has been quite unclear whether the impulsive, aggressive behaviour among women is affected by the same biological mechanisms as among men.

International Journal of Law and Psychiatry

Later, he watches a crude porn film on TV, and it is quite unclear whether the next scene is a dream or waking reality.

The Guardian - Film

It is quite unclear how the government would pay for a comprehensive program, and no candidates seem eager to discuss ways to hold down health care spending.

The New York Times

He added: "The I.R.A.'s position is still quite unclear in certain key respects, notably whether they will actually decommission and when".

The New York Times

Thompson, in fact, will not have a journalism role at the Times; so, it is quite unclear how Sullivan's mandate reaches him.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite unclear" to express a moderate level of uncertainty or lack of clarity. It's stronger than 'somewhat unclear' but not as strong as 'completely unclear'.

Common error

While "quite unclear" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language like "ambiguous" or "subject to interpretation" to demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite unclear" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its lack of clarity. Ludwig confirms its correctness. It typically serves to qualify the degree of uncertainty or ambiguity associated with a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite unclear" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that communicates a moderate level of uncertainty or lack of clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, suggesting its widespread acceptance in written English. Its neutral register allows for use in varied contexts, from News & Media to scientific publications, although more nuanced alternatives may be preferred in highly formal settings. When using this phrase, consider the level of ambiguity you wish to convey, and avoid overuse by occasionally substituting with synonyms like "somewhat ambiguous" or "not entirely clear".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not entirely clear

Emphasizes the partial lack of clarity.

rather vague

Uses "vague" instead of "unclear", implying a lack of precision.

somewhat ambiguous

Replaces "unclear" with "ambiguous", suggesting multiple possible interpretations.

pretty uncertain

Uses "uncertain" to convey a lack of sureness or definiteness.

not well-defined

Focuses on the absence of clear boundaries or specifications.

a bit hazy

Employs "hazy" to suggest a lack of distinctness or sharpness.

remains doubtful

Shifts the focus to the uncertainty and skepticism surrounding something.

largely unresolved

Indicates that the issue is still open and not yet decided.

subject to interpretation

Highlights that understanding depends on individual perspective.

open to question

Suggests the matter is not settled and can be challenged.

FAQs

How can I use "quite unclear" in a sentence?

You can use "quite unclear" to describe something that lacks clarity or is difficult to understand. For example, "The instructions were "quite unclear", so I had trouble assembling the furniture."

What are some alternatives to "quite unclear"?

Alternatives to "quite unclear" include "somewhat ambiguous", "not entirely clear", or "rather vague". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "quite unclear" formal or informal?

"Quite unclear" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language may be preferred in highly formal writing.

What does it mean when something is "quite unclear"?

When something is "quite unclear", it means that it is not easily understood or that there is a significant degree of uncertainty surrounding it.