quite vague

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite vague" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks clarity or precision. Example: "The instructions provided were quite vague, leaving us unsure of how to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The steering can become quite vague.

The New York Times

Previous editions were quite vague on specific practices.

The Guardian

Also the subjectivity in design decisions makes the process of ecological assessment quite vague and difficult.

Building and Environment

But the joint U.S.-North U.S.-North Korean was quite vague andeclarationspecifics.

Columbia University

However, accusations against a third faculty member, Stanley G. Kops, were quite vague.

The New York Times

The words of the provision are in important ways quite vague.

The New York Times

"But the question is how much do they cost, and the answer is usually quite vague".

The New York Times

– Chris Yiu Privacy and data protection: "The UK Data Protection Act is quite vague.

The Guardian

Synthetic versions of existing drugs are quite vague: nothing is explicitly called "fake cannabis".

The Guardian

I am keenly interested in the this case because the law as it stands can be quite vague.

Stanford University

"He's still being quite vague in describing exactly what to expect next, and I think that serves his purposes," said Lawrence Creatura, a portfolio manager at Federated Investors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quite vague", consider adding clarifying information or examples to reduce ambiguity. This ensures your message is more easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "quite vague" as a standalone critique. Instead, specify what is vague and why it matters. For example, instead of saying "The policy is quite vague", say "The policy is quite vague regarding the criteria for eligibility, which could lead to inconsistent application".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite vague" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It's used to describe something that lacks precision or clarity. As Ludwig AI shows, it's a common way to express that information is not specific enough.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite vague" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe something lacking in clarity or precision. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, from News & Media to scientific literature. While acceptable in most registers, it's important to provide context or specify what is vague to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "somewhat ambiguous" or "rather unclear" for subtle variations in meaning. The key takeaway is to use "quite vague" judiciously, aiming for clarity and specificity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat ambiguous

Suggests a degree of uncertainty or openness to multiple interpretations.

rather unclear

Emphasizes a lack of clarity or distinctness.

a bit nebulous

Implies a cloudiness or lack of sharp definition.

fairly imprecise

Focuses on a lack of exactness or accuracy.

pretty indefinite

Suggests a lack of specific limits or boundaries.

not very specific

Highlights the absence of detailed information.

rather ill-defined

Emphasizes the lack of clear boundaries or limits.

somewhat hazy

Suggests a lack of clarity due to vagueness or obscurity.

a little blurred

Implies a lack of distinctness or sharpness.

not entirely clear

Highlights that there is ambiguity involved.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite vague" to describe something lacking clarity or precision, such as "The instructions were "quite vague", making it difficult to assemble the product".

What are some alternatives to "quite vague"?

Alternatives to "quite vague" include "somewhat ambiguous", "rather unclear", or "a bit nebulous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "quite vague" in formal writing?

Yes, "quite vague" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider whether a more precise term would enhance clarity. In cases where acknowledging some degree of ambiguity is important, "quite vague" can be effective.

What's the difference between "quite vague" and "very vague"?

"Quite vague" suggests a moderate degree of vagueness, while "very vague" indicates a higher degree. The choice depends on the extent to which something lacks clarity. However, both are generally interchangeable in most contexts.