the document is ambiguous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the document is ambiguous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a document that lacks clarity or has multiple interpretations. Example: "After reviewing the contract, I found that the document is ambiguous regarding the terms of payment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the document was ambiguous and, because it dated from the 1980's, the price no longer reflected the company's true worth, David Sklar said, and the family could not agree on a re-evaluation.

The New York Times

The original agreement between Spain and France had not explicitly specified the borders of Louisiana, and the descriptions in the documents were ambiguous and contradictory.

Wikipedia

In the first case, research efforts that have formally modeled several on-chip communication architecture specifications from informally specified, natural language documents found a few cases where the specification document was ambiguous, inconsistent, and incomplete.

On-Chip Communication Architectures System on Chip Interconnect

The final reason is legal: when it comes to working out who pays for what, the fact that the DCLG has produced a document which is ambiguous makes it more likely that the taxpayer will end up paying more to resolve this mess.

BBC

And because the foundational document is often ambiguous and contradictory -- retributive one minute, intoxicatingly poetic the next -- it is, like the Bible, ripe for legalistic interpretation.

The New York Times - Arts

The phrase is ambiguous.

The Guardian - Books

The solution is ambiguous.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The text is ambiguous.

The New York Times - Books

The evidence is ambiguous.

The Guardian

The message is ambiguous.

The New York Times - Arts

The plot is ambiguous.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "the document is ambiguous", immediately follow up with specific examples of what is unclear or open to interpretation to provide context and support your assessment.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "the document is ambiguous" without providing concrete examples. This assertion requires justification to be credible and useful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the document is ambiguous" functions as a descriptive statement. It attributes the quality of being unclear or open to multiple interpretations to a specific document. Since Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, it's suitable for expressing concerns about a text's clarity.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the document is ambiguous" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a written text that lacks clarity and is open to multiple interpretations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase itself is straightforward and suitable for use in various contexts. While its frequency is limited, using this phrase effectively involves providing specific examples of the document's ambiguity to support the claim. When clarity is essential, recognizing and addressing ambiguity is a crucial step.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the document is unclear

Replaces "ambiguous" with a more general term for lack of clarity.

the document is vague

Suggests a lack of precision and detail in the document.

the document lacks clarity

Emphasizes the absence of clear and easily understood information.

the document is open to interpretation

Highlights that the document can be understood in multiple ways.

the document is subject to different readings

Similar to "open to interpretation", but emphasizes the act of reading.

the document's meaning is uncertain

Focuses on the uncertainty surrounding the document's intended meaning.

the document is equivocal

Uses a more formal term to describe the document's ambiguity.

the document is indefinite

Highlights the lack of defined or specific terms in the document.

the document is imprecise

Suggests that the document contains inaccuracies or lacks exactness.

the document is capable of multiple interpretations

States directly that the document can be understood in various ways.

FAQs

How can I use "the document is ambiguous" in a sentence?

You can use "the document is ambiguous" to describe a lack of clarity or precision in a written work. For example: "After reviewing the contract, I concluded that "the document is ambiguous" regarding payment terms."

What are some alternatives to saying "the document is ambiguous"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the document is unclear", "the document lacks clarity", or "the document is vague", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean for a document to be 'ambiguous'?

When a document is described as 'ambiguous', it means that its content is open to more than one interpretation or understanding. This can be due to unclear wording, lack of specific details, or conflicting statements within the text.

In what situations might I encounter an ambiguous document?

You might find an ambiguous document in legal contracts, policy statements, instructions manuals, or any situation where precise language is crucial but not achieved. Identifying "the document is ambiguous" is the first step to addressing the lack of clarity.