too vague

USAGE SUMMARY

"too vague" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could say, "I'm not sure what you mean; your explanation was too vague."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are too vague.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

That's much too vague.

The New York Times

It's too vague.

The New York Times

It was too vague.

The New Yorker

But this is too vague.

The Guardian - Opinion

They're too vague to be of value.

Harvard University

This seems true enough, but too vague.

The New York Times

That, critics say, is far too vague.

The New York Times - Tech

The characters' motivations were much too vague.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Gluck: "We're being too vague".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Justice Alito said the California law was too vague.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing feedback, avoid simply stating that something is "too vague". Offer specific examples of what needs more clarity or detail. For example, instead of saying "Your introduction is too vague", specify "Your introduction is missing a clear thesis statement and an overview of the key arguments."

Common error

Don't assume your audience shares your understanding. Saying something is "handled efficiently" is "too vague". Instead, quantify the efficiency by stating, for example, "The new system reduced processing time by 30% and saved the company $10,000 annually."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too vague" functions primarily as an adjective phrase used to describe something lacking sufficient clarity or detail. It serves to express a judgment that a statement, explanation, or description is insufficiently specific. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "too vague" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a lack of clarity or detail. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile enough for use in both formal and informal contexts. To avoid vagueness in writing, provide specific examples and quantifiable data. Common errors include over-reliance on vague language, so strive for precision. Alternatives like "lacks specificity" or "insufficiently detailed" can be used depending on the specific context. The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media, Science and Academia according to the analyzed sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not specific enough

This alternative directly points out the lack of required detail for understanding or action.

lacks specificity

This phrase highlights the absence of particular details, indicating the statement is not concrete.

insufficiently detailed

This suggests that the information provided does not contain enough elaboration or particulars.

too imprecise

This indicates a lack of accuracy or exactness, implying a need for more precision.

poorly defined

This implies that the information has not been clearly stated or explained.

overly general

This alternative focuses on the lack of specific details, suggesting the information is not precise enough.

ill-defined

This term suggests the boundaries or parameters are not properly established, leading to confusion.

ambiguous

This indicates the possibility of multiple interpretations, causing uncertainty.

unclear

This simply states a lack of clarity, making it difficult to understand the meaning.

nebulous

This conveys a sense of cloudiness or haziness, making the concept difficult to grasp.

FAQs

How can I avoid being "too vague" in my writing?

Provide specific details, examples, and quantifiable data to support your statements. Ensure your language is precise and leaves no room for misinterpretation. Always consider your audience and their level of familiarity with the topic.

What are some alternatives to saying something is "too vague"?

You can use alternatives like "lacks specificity", "insufficiently detailed", or "not specific enough" depending on the context.

Is it always bad to be "too vague"?

While specificity is generally preferred in academic and professional writing, there may be situations where deliberate ambiguity is used for rhetorical effect or to avoid being overly prescriptive. However, clarity should always be prioritized to avoid confusion.

How do I know if my writing is "too vague"?

Ask someone to read your work and provide feedback on whether your points are clear and well-supported. If they struggle to understand your message or require further clarification, your writing may be "too vague".