sounds woolly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sounds woolly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is vague, unclear, or lacking in substance. Example: "His explanation of the project sounds woolly, and I need more concrete details to understand it better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And if that sounds woolly, it is because making predictions in China is notoriously difficult.

The New York Times

It sounds woolly, but is used earnestly by all three candidates.

The Economist

Engaging in values sounds woolly, but it is exactly the opposite.

The Guardian

To Bagehot's untutored ears, this sounds woolly and vainglorious: aircraft carriers are hugely expensive, hugely vulnerable, and far too precious to put in harm's way unless an overwhelming national interest is at stake.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

For another, most Americans still think the president cares about people like them: a measure that may sound woolly, but which has proved powerful in the past among swing voters.

The Economist

"There is no magic test, which makes it sound awfully woolly but that's like many other areas of medicine.

Independent

"Just as more blogs will look like newspapers, more newspapers will have blog-like aspects," says Paul Saffo at the Institute for the Future.Admittedly, this kind of advice can sound like woolly new-age claptrap to newspaper publishers.

The Economist

"I would say it's a really ecstasy-leaning sound — all those atonal rhodes and fuzzy, woolly sounds.

Vice

In addition, the company says it's looking to partner with brands and media companies who could use the service to help them "build an identity using music" and to "reach new audiences", which sounds a little woolly at this stage.

TechCrunch

The concept may sound pat and woolly, encompassing everything from savvier marketing to radical technological leaps.

The Economist

For those suspicious of therapy and mysticism it can sound vague and woolly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sounds woolly" when you want to politely criticize an idea or explanation for being vague or lacking clear details. It softens the critique by focusing on the impression it gives.

Common error

Avoid using "sounds woolly" in highly formal or professional documents, such as legal briefs or scientific reports. Opt for more direct and precise language like "appears vague" or "lacks clarity" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sounds woolly" functions as a subjective assessment, often used to express doubt or skepticism about the clarity or substance of something. Ludwig examples show it applying to explanations, predictions, and concepts, indicating a perceived lack of precision.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "sounds woolly" is used to describe something that feels vague, unclear, or lacking in substance. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and highlights its prevalence in News & Media contexts. While the phrase is useful for politely critiquing a concept for its ambiguity, it's better to avoid it in highly formal settings, opting instead for more precise language. Alternatives like ""seems vague"" or "appears imprecise" can serve as more professional substitutes. The phrase is a subjective assessment signaling a need for more clarity and detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems vague

Expresses a lack of clarity or precision, focusing on the indefinite nature of the statement.

sounds ambiguous

Focuses on the multiple possible interpretations and the resultant uncertainty.

sounds nebulous

Similar to vague, this indicates a lack of definite form or limits.

appears imprecise

Highlights the lack of exactness or accuracy in the expression or idea presented.

seems ill-defined

Highlights the lack of clear boundaries or parameters in the concept or plan.

rings hollow

Suggests that something lacks sincerity or substance, implying a superficial quality.

appears muddled

Indicates a state of confusion or disorder, suggesting a lack of clear organization.

feels flimsy

Emphasizes the weakness or lack of solid foundation in the idea or argument.

rings unclear

Highlights a lack of clarity or distinctness in the expression or idea presented.

feels unsubstantial

Conveys a lack of significant content or importance.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "sounds woolly"?

When something "sounds woolly", it means it "seems vague", unclear, or lacking in substance. It suggests the idea is not well-defined or thought out.

Is "sounds woolly" a formal or informal expression?

"Sounds woolly" is generally considered an informal expression. It's more appropriate for casual conversation or less formal writing. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "appears imprecise" or "rings unclear".

How can I use "sounds woolly" in a sentence?

You can use "sounds woolly" when describing a statement, plan, or explanation that lacks clarity or detail. For example: "His explanation of the new policy sounds woolly; I'm not sure I understand it."

What are some synonyms for "sounds woolly"?

Some synonyms for "sounds woolly" include ""seems vague"", "sounds ambiguous", and "appears muddled". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.