unclear expression

USAGE SUMMARY

"unclear expression" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is not easily understood. For example: "I couldn't understand what he was saying - his expression was very unclear."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I aim first for clarity, because unclear expression signals unclear thought.

The Guardian

We do not claim to make clear and explicit what the users of the unclear expression had unconsciously in mind all along.

SEP

We fix on the particular functions of the unclear expression that make it worth troubling about, and then devise a substitute, clear and couched in terms to our liking, that fills those functions.

SEP

Although the molecular mechanism related to pro-apoptotic action of IGF-I R remain unclear, expression of the IGF-IR C terminal as a myristylated protein caused massive cell death [ 33] indicating IGF-IR C terminal plays a critical role in regulating cell apoptosis.

BMC Cancer

While the relationship between expression of these chemokine receptors and the intrathymic location of particular iNKT-cell subsets is unclear, expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR6 is induced during iNKT-cell positive selection, a process that occurs in the cortex 77.

European Journal of Immunology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Although its function remains unclear, the expression of periostin as an adhesion molecule could suggest novel mechanisms in preeclampsia.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

It is unclear whether expression of the receptor is altered in the disorder or related to GRM3 risk genotype.

Schizophrenia Research

However, it is unclear how expression is established at the top of these cascades in the absence of pre-existing specificity.

Duke University

The COR14b and WCS19 proteins localise to the chloroplast, possibly to reduce photo-oxidative stress [52], [53], but it is unclear why expression of these contigs is maintained after cold treatment.

Plosone

However, the association with CAA is unclear as expression is claimed to be limited to the skin [ 37].

Genome Medicine

However, at the present stage, it remains unclear whether expression levels of an adjacent gene directly, or indirectly, affect D/ d4.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "unclear expression", ensure that you identify the specific element causing the lack of clarity. This provides context and allows for targeted improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "unclear expression" as a blanket statement without specifying why the expression is unclear. Providing details helps the recipient understand the issue and address it effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unclear expression" functions primarily as a descriptive term. It's typically used to identify a statement, idea, or communication that lacks clarity or is difficult to understand. Ludwig examples show it used to describe both written and spoken communication.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unclear expression" is a valid and usable term, though relatively rare, used to describe something that lacks clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for identifying communication deficiencies. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it calls attention to statements requiring further clarification. Alternatives like "vague wording" or "ambiguous formulation" can offer nuanced ways to express this lack of clarity, depending on the specific issue at hand. When employing the phrase, specificity is key to ensure effective communication and facilitate targeted improvements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unclear wording

Focuses specifically on the words themselves being unclear.

Incomprehensible phrasing

Highlights the difficulty in understanding the specific way the idea is phrased.

Ambiguous formulation

Emphasizes that the expression can be interpreted in multiple ways.

Imprecise statement

Highlights the lack of accuracy or detail in a declaration.

Obscure wording

Indicates that the choice of words makes the expression difficult to understand.

Vague articulation

Focuses on the lack of precision in the way something is spoken or presented.

Convoluted language

Indicates that the language used is overly complex and difficult to follow.

Murky explanation

Suggests that the explanation lacks clarity and is difficult to follow.

Indistinct communication

Emphasizes the general lack of clarity in the overall communication process.

Confusing delivery

Highlights that the manner of presentation makes the message hard to grasp.

FAQs

What does "unclear expression" mean?

The phrase "unclear expression" refers to a statement or communication that is difficult to understand due to vagueness, ambiguity, or lack of precision.

What can I say instead of "unclear expression"?

You can use alternatives like "vague wording", "ambiguous statement", or "imprecise language" to convey a similar meaning.

How can I improve an "unclear expression"?

To improve an "unclear expression", focus on providing more specific details, using precise language, and ensuring that the message is logically structured and easy to follow.

Is it better to say "unclear expression" or "vague expression"?

Both "unclear expression" and "vague expression" are acceptable. The choice depends on the specific context; "unclear" suggests a general lack of understanding, while "vague" implies a lack of specificity.