somewhat vague

USAGE SUMMARY

'somewhat vague' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that something is not completely clear or certain. For example, "He gave a somewhat vague answer when I asked him about his plans for the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its views are somewhat vague.

The Economist

"It is a somewhat vague sensation.

Independent

Its programme is somewhat vague and indeterminate.

The Guardian - Opinion

On this point, Hite is somewhat vague.

The Guardian

Was it a deliberate decision to keep this somewhat vague?

The New Yorker

From the first, her official job has been somewhat vague.

The New York Times

So the threat of sanctions remains somewhat vague.

The Economist

But they're somewhat vague as to the specifics.

The Washington Post

Even winning Mr. Abbas's somewhat vague agreement proved difficult.

The New York Times

The specific goals of the yearlong project are somewhat vague.

The New York Times

Some critics dismissed the accord, whose details were somewhat vague, as little more than window dressing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat vague" when you want to express that something is not entirely clear, but avoid using it if a more precise term can better convey the intended meaning. It is best used when the ambiguity is slight or intentional.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat vague" repeatedly in formal documents or academic papers. While acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less precise and weaken your argument. Opt for stronger, more specific terms to enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat vague" functions as an adverb-adjective combination that modifies a noun or concept, indicating a moderate lack of clarity or precision. It softens the impact of the adjective "vague", suggesting a degree of ambiguity without complete obscurity. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat vague" is a commonly used phrase in the English language that serves to express a moderate lack of clarity or precision. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in news, media, and scientific sources, indicating its versatility across different registers. When writing, it's important to remember that while "somewhat vague" is acceptable, more specific terms may be preferable in formal writing to enhance clarity. This phrase is best utilized when acknowledging a level of uncertainty or approximation in a statement, and can be replaced by other alternatives based on the desired emphasis and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not entirely clear

A more direct way of saying something lacks complete clarity.

rather indistinct

Indicates a lack of clear definition or boundaries, similar to vague but may emphasize a lack of sharp outlines.

a bit hazy

Implies a lack of clarity, often suggesting something is not fully formed or remembered.

pretty unspecific

Indicates a lack of detail or particularity.

relatively imprecise

Highlights a lack of exactness or accuracy.

somewhat indefinite

Highlights the absence of specific limits or a clear end.

kind of ambiguous

Suggests that something is open to multiple interpretations, leading to uncertainty.

slightly ill-defined

Emphasizes that something lacks clear boundaries or a specific structure.

a little obscure

Suggests something is hidden or not easily understood due to a lack of information.

moderately nebulous

Implies a lack of distinct form or shape, making something difficult to grasp.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat vague" to describe something that lacks clarity or precision. For example, "The instructions were "somewhat vague", making it difficult to assemble the product".

What are some alternatives to "somewhat vague"?

Alternatives include "rather indistinct", "a bit hazy", or "relatively imprecise", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to be specific rather than "somewhat vague" in writing?

Generally, clarity is preferred in writing. However, "somewhat vague" can be useful when you want to acknowledge a lack of complete certainty or when specific details are not necessary or available. Use it when you need to suggest the information is "not entirely clear" without being misleading.

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

"Somewhat vague" indicates a slight lack of clarity, while "very vague" suggests a significant lack of clarity. The choice depends on the degree of ambiguity you want to express. Consider using "pretty unspecific" if something is missing detail but not incredibly ambiguous.