sketchy statements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sketchy statements" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe statements that are vague, unclear, or lacking in detail, often implying that they may not be trustworthy. Example: "The report was filled with sketchy statements that left us questioning the validity of the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Back to the present, a now-alive Sam is making sketchy statements about how the dead attractive female student Lila Stangard has probably corroded enough in the water tank that it'll be hard to catch her killer.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nabil Shaath, the Palestinian planning minister, said the Palestinians wanted several issues not mentioned in the sketchy statement by Prince Abdullah to be detailed in a more concrete proposal.

The New York Times

While the details are sketchy, a museum press statement said it would be "inspired by eco-utopian visions for future sustainable communities".

The New York Times

And as frustrating as the waiting has been, I felt it was improper to come to you with sketchy reports, or possibly even erroneous statements, which would then have to be corrected, creating even more doubt and confusion.

Wikipedia

Nobody seems to know based on the sketchy details Microsoft provided in its statement, but there is, as always, some speculation.

Forbes

He has maintained, both in testimony two years ago and in a 79-page statement released yesterday, that he was given only sketchy statistics from the state police and believed assurances that racial profiling was not a problem.

The New York Times

A sketchy report of the government's intentions is given in an Autumn Statement, usually published in November, and detailed expenditure plans are provided in February or March in a White Paper.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Meanwhile, sketchy technical details are emerging from Monday's tests--which took the world by surprise, despite public statements by the new government of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee that he was weighing the use of nuclear weapons.

Science Magazine

The company has remained tight-lipped about how many devices are affected — their official statement refers to "isolated reports" — though hopefully not too many people are having to deal with some sketchy Wi-Fi.

TechCrunch

Sketchy characterization.

The New York Times - Books

"Pretty sketchy stuff".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Enhance your writing by pairing "sketchy statements" with specific examples or details from the source material to show exactly why you consider them unreliable.

Common error

Avoid casually labeling statements as "sketchy" without providing supporting evidence. This weakens your credibility and may come across as biased or unsubstantiated criticism. Always back up your claims with specific details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sketchy statements" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "sketchy" modifies "statements". It describes the quality of the statements, indicating they are vague, incomplete, or unreliable. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sketchy statements" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for describing declarations that are vague, incomplete, or unreliable. While not overly common, Ludwig confirms its correctness and suitability for use. Predominantly found in news and general contexts, it conveys doubt about the truthfulness or completeness of information. Alternative phrases such as "dubious remarks" or "questionable declarations" can offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. When using the phrase, ensure you provide supporting evidence to substantiate your claim and avoid overuse without proper backing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dubious remarks

Focuses on the doubtfulness or questionable nature of the comments.

questionable declarations

Highlights that the declarations are open to questioning or suspicion.

unreliable assertions

Emphasizes the lack of reliability or trustworthiness in the statements.

tenuous claims

Suggests the claims are weak or flimsy, lacking solid evidence.

vague pronouncements

Focuses on the lack of clarity and detail in the pronouncements.

fishy comments

Implies the comments are suspicious or deceitful.

shady pronouncements

Highlights the dishonest or untrustworthy nature of the pronouncements.

dodgy claims

Suggests the claims are potentially false or misleading.

suspect remarks

Focuses on the suspicion surrounding the remarks.

flimsy declarations

Emphasizes the weakness and lack of substance in the declarations.

FAQs

How can I use "sketchy statements" in a sentence?

Use "sketchy statements" to describe declarations that lack detail, seem unreliable, or are not fully supported by evidence. For example, "The witness provided "sketchy statements" about the events of that night".

What are some alternatives to "sketchy statements"?

You can use alternatives like "dubious remarks", "questionable declarations", or "unreliable assertions" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "sketchy statements"?

It is appropriate to use "sketchy statements" when you want to convey that certain declarations are not entirely trustworthy or lack sufficient supporting information. It's suitable when you want to express doubt or suspicion about what has been said.

What does "sketchy statements" imply?

The term "sketchy statements" implies that the declarations are incomplete, possibly inaccurate, and should be approached with caution. It suggests that further investigation or verification may be needed before accepting them as true.