unclear explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

'unclear explanation' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe a statement or instructions that have been given that are not easy to understand. For example, "Despite my efforts to explain, the customer still seemed confused by my unclear explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Data analysis from the students' interviews showed that there were three main weaknesses of the Optics Course in the students' view: time consuming, students' unclear explanation, and technology barriers.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

However, Garcia offered an unclear explanation as to how the city would pay the $110 million-$million-$120 milliong to do so, Crain's reprice.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For Mr. Bloomberg and his closest aides, Ms. Lancaster's performance before the Council not only cast unwanted light on her department's bureaucratic stumbles but also spotlighted what they considered her often awkward public manner and unclear explanations that diminished her credibility.

The New York Times

This way, long-winded text and unclear explanations will quickly become evident.

Science Magazine

She said: "All too often the people who come to us for help are unhappy because of the careless communication, insincere apologies and unclear explanations they've received from the NHS.

BBC

The ways by which the majority of the teachers replied (to questions for which they had to use natural selection without its being suggested), refer us back to the aforementioned ambiguous, vague, and unclear explanations mixed with teleological connotations in the textbooks, which, notably, are the only ones published and made available to teachers.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

A main source of dissatisfaction was the physician accentuating the patient's feeling of uncertainty about OA by the patient feeling that they received unclear explanations or insufficient knowledge: "You know, doctors don't talk a lot.

Plosone

Yet, we were quickly annoyed by many inaccuracies and unclear explanations that seemed to distort the authors' message.

Human Mutation

This is where you give unclear explanations and are incredibly vague in your descriptions of things and events.

WikiHow

While recent economic models use nonlinear equations, they are controversial and it is unclear what explanation even means in these sciences.

The New York Times

While the basis for the differing findings is unclear, one explanation may be related to differences in dietary protein source between the two studies.

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing an "unclear explanation", acknowledge the potential for confusion and offer to rephrase or elaborate on specific points. This demonstrates a commitment to clarity and understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience possesses the same level of understanding as you. Providing an "unclear explanation" often stems from neglecting to define key terms or concepts, leading to confusion. Always tailor your explanation to your audience's existing knowledge base.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unclear explanation" functions as a descriptor, modifying the noun "explanation" to indicate a lack of clarity or comprehensibility. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes statements that are not easily understood. Examples in Ludwig highlight contexts where explanations are perceived as vague or confusing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unclear explanation" is a valid and commonly used expression to denote a lack of clarity in a statement or account. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While relatively simple, its effective use hinges on recognizing the causes of the ambiguity and addressing them through simpler language, examples, or rephrasing. Various alternatives such as "vague rationale" or "confusing account" offer nuanced ways to express the same idea. By understanding the contexts and potential pitfalls, communicators can strive for greater clarity and comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vague rationale

Replaces "explanation" with "rationale" and "unclear" with "vague", focusing on the underlying reasoning being indistinct.

ambiguous justification

Substitutes "explanation" with "justification" and "unclear" with "ambiguous", highlighting the uncertainty in the provided reasoning.

confusing account

Replaces "explanation" with "account" and "unclear" with "confusing", emphasizing the difficulty in understanding the given information.

murky exposition

Uses "murky" instead of "unclear" and "exposition" instead of "explanation", suggesting the presentation is obscure and difficult to follow.

indistinct clarification

Employs "indistinct" for "unclear" and "clarification" for "explanation", underlining the lack of clear definition or resolution.

opaque description

Replaces "explanation" with "description" and "unclear" with "opaque", suggesting the description is impenetrable and difficult to comprehend.

incomprehensible reasoning

Substitutes "explanation" with "reasoning" and "unclear" with "incomprehensible", highlighting the inability to grasp the logical process.

unfathomable account

Uses "unfathomable" instead of "unclear" and "account" instead of "explanation", implying the account is impossible to fully understand or explore.

tenuous justification

Replaces "explanation" with "justification" and "unclear" with "tenuous", indicating the justification is weak and lacking substance.

imprecise definition

Employs "imprecise" for "unclear" and "definition" for "explanation", stressing the lack of exactness and clarity in the explanation.

FAQs

How can I identify if I'm giving an "unclear explanation"?

Look for non-verbal cues like furrowed brows or confused expressions. Ask your audience if they understand, and encourage them to ask clarifying questions. If you sense hesitation or uncertainty, it's a good indicator that your explanation needs improvement.

What are some strategies for avoiding an "unclear explanation"?

Use simple language, avoid jargon, and break down complex ideas into smaller, manageable chunks. Provide examples and analogies to illustrate your points, and always check for understanding along the way.

What can I say instead of "unclear explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "vague rationale", "ambiguous justification", or "confusing account" depending on the specific context.

How does an "unclear explanation" affect communication?

An "unclear explanation" can lead to misunderstandings, errors, and frustration. It can also damage trust and credibility, making it harder to communicate effectively in the future. Clarity is crucial for successful communication.