slightly ambiguous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly ambiguous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not entirely clear or has more than one possible interpretation, but only to a small degree. Example: "The instructions were slightly ambiguous, leading to confusion among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"The pattern also makes the shape slightly ambiguous.

The New York Times

There was no room for anything even slightly ambiguous.

The New Yorker

The puzzle is seemingly simple, slightly ambiguous and astonishingly difficult.

The New York Times

Kate and Hank Karine Plantadit and Mr. Robertss) have a slightly ambiguous, tempestuous relationship.

The New York Times - Arts

A quiet, slightly ambiguous romantic attraction begins to develop between them.

The New Yorker

The label is slightly ambiguous — aren't a lot of other restaurant entrepreneurs doing it themselves, too?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The word "abduction" usually has very negative connotations, but you see what happens to your heroine, Jane, in slightly more ambiguous terms, don't you?

The New Yorker

It was said at the time that Google announced its restructuring that it might be moving some of those more ethically difficult businesses into a separate company precisely so that Google could keep its commitment to be good while Alphabet might be slightly more ambiguous, among other things.

Independent

Indeed, the film casts a very sympathetic eye on Oscar, shedding a slightly more ambiguous light on the cops who detained and killed him.

Huffington Post

Critics suggested this was the Prime Minister downgrading what had been a solid promise pre-referendum to something slightly more ambiguous, dependent on a new timescale based around the proposed restrictions on Scottish MPs.

Vice

Additional analysis of this third class of genes yields slightly more ambiguous results related to the evolutionary divergence of human gene expression patterns.

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly ambiguous", ensure the context provides enough information to clarify the intended meaning. Over-reliance on this phrase without further explanation can lead to confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly ambiguous" as a substitute for precise language. Instead of simply labeling something as such, attempt to clarify the ambiguity or provide more specific details about what makes it unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly ambiguous" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it possesses a degree of uncertainty or lack of clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly ambiguous" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a mild lack of clarity or the possibility of multiple interpretations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it appears across various contexts, it is particularly prevalent in news, media, and scientific writing. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to mitigate potential confusion, avoiding its overuse as a substitute for more precise language. Alternative phrases like "somewhat vague" or "mildly unclear" can offer subtle nuances in meaning. Remember that while "slightly ambiguous" is acceptable, clarity and explicitness should always be the primary goal in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat vague

Emphasizes a lack of clarity without necessarily implying multiple interpretations.

mildly unclear

Highlights the difficulty in understanding something, but to a limited extent.

a bit indistinct

Focuses on the lack of sharp definition or clear boundaries.

rather hazy

Suggests a lack of clarity, likening the situation to a fog or mist.

marginally imprecise

Indicates a small degree of inexactness or inaccuracy.

somewhat indefinite

Stresses the lack of specific limits or boundaries.

a touch equivocal

Highlights the possibility of multiple interpretations and uncertainty.

kind of uncertain

Suggests a limited degree of doubt or lack of confidence.

slightly doubtful

Emphasizes the questionable nature of something, but not strongly.

a little ambivalent

Indicates mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly ambiguous" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly ambiguous" to describe situations, statements, or instructions that are not entirely clear. For example, "The wording of the contract was "slightly ambiguous", so we sought legal advice."

What are some alternatives to "slightly ambiguous"?

Some alternatives include "somewhat vague", "mildly unclear", or "a bit indistinct", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be explicit rather than "slightly ambiguous" in writing?

In most cases, clarity is preferred. While "slightly ambiguous" may be acceptable in certain contexts, striving for explicitness ensures that your message is easily understood and avoids potential misinterpretations. For better clarity you can use alternatives like "more explicit", or "more definite".

What's the difference between "slightly ambiguous" and "very ambiguous"?

"Slightly ambiguous" indicates a small degree of uncertainty or lack of clarity, while "very ambiguous" suggests a much greater level of confusion and multiple possible interpretations. If something is "very ambiguous", it's significantly harder to understand than something that is "slightly ambiguous".