statement lacked clarity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "statement lacked clarity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a statement or message that is difficult to understand or ambiguous. Example: "The report was difficult to follow because the statement lacked clarity regarding the project's objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Interior Minister Carlos Holguín said the statement lacked clarity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But again her statement lacked moral clarity; she said the error was not making sure "that we had all the stakeholders' concurrence" for the action, not that it was wrong in itself.

The Washington Post

"The impact assessment lacked clarity.

The Guardian

Communications to the public often lacked clarity.

The New York Times - Health

A few main dishes lacked clarity.

The New York Times

But the playing lacked clarity, nuance, texture and effective balances.

The New York Times - Arts

But the performance consistently lacked clarity and nuance.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Lisitsa's frenetic playing lacked clarity and sober restraint.

The New York Times - Arts

I lacked answers because I lacked clarity.

Huffington Post

And second, the new standard lacked clarity.

Vice

It remains to be seen if French insecurity can also win Le Pen the most powerful seat in the game.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "statement lacked clarity", ensure the surrounding text provides context about why the statement is unclear. Specify what aspects are confusing or ambiguous.

Common error

Avoid consistently using passive constructions like "clarity was lacked by the statement". Opt for more direct phrasing, which enhances readability and makes your writing clearer. Use phrases like "the statement lacked clarity".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "statement lacked clarity" functions as a declarative statement, indicating a deficiency in the quality of a written or spoken communication. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a situation where the intended message is not easily understood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Arts

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "statement lacked clarity" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a statement is difficult to understand. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, consider providing context about why the statement is unclear and avoid overly passive constructions. Alternatives such as "statement was unclear" or ""statement was ambiguous"" can also be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

statement was ambiguous

Replaces "lacked clarity" with a direct synonym, emphasizing the multiple possible interpretations of the statement.

statement was unclear

Offers a more straightforward and common way to express the lack of clarity.

statement was vague

Similar to "unclear", but emphasizes the lack of specific detail.

statement was nebulous

Indicates the statement was ill-defined and lacking sharp boundaries.

statement was obscure

Suggests the statement was hidden or not easily understood.

statement was cryptic

Emphasizes the puzzling or enigmatic nature of the statement.

statement was incomprehensible

Highlights the complete inability to understand the statement.

statement defied understanding

Emphasizes the impossibility of understanding the statement.

statement was lacking in detail

Focuses on the absence of specific information in the statement.

statement was poorly defined

Highlights the lack of clear boundaries or parameters in the statement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "statement lacked clarity" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "the "statement was ambiguous"", "the statement was open to interpretation", or "the "statement was vague"".

What does it mean when a "statement lacked clarity"?

It means the statement was difficult to understand, possibly due to ambiguous wording, missing information, or a confusing structure. Essentially, the meaning wasn't easily grasped.

Is it better to say "lack of clarity in the statement" or "statement lacked clarity"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "statement lacked clarity" is more concise and direct. "Lack of clarity in the statement" is also acceptable, especially when emphasizing the general issue of clarity.

What are some common causes for a "statement lacked clarity"?

Common causes include poor word choice, complex sentence structures, missing context, jargon unfamiliar to the audience, or conflicting information. Reviewing the statement and simplifying the language can often improve clarity.