unclear impression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unclear impression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a vague or ambiguous understanding or perception of something. Example: "After the presentation, I was left with an unclear impression of the project's objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Any participants with hand deformity, unclear impression and non Hausa ethnic group of Kano State, Nigeria were excluded from the study.

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is unclear what the impression will be on the wider electorate.

The Guardian

General impression of unclear demeanour: Parents said that they felt and saw that the PCHC nurse was uncertain and hesitant.

BMC Nursing

What that impression is remains unclear.

The New York Times - Sports

It is unclear why the article gives the impression that the Russian Orthodox Church is outside of Kremlin control.

The New York Times

What underlies these gender differences in the accuracy of first impressions of personality remains unclear.

Journal of Research in Personality

The role of impression management in CRCS is unclear.

BMC Public Health

While medical marijuana dispensaries are permitted in California, and a flier advertising the party said that dispensary cards would be checked at the door (it's unclear if they were), few were under the impression this event was legal.

The New York Times

Most likely the changes resulted from a genuine increase in candidate ability, albeit for reasons which remain unclear, coupled with a cognitive illusion giving the impression of a step-change immediately after equating began.

BMC Medical Education

They were extra observant of the PCHC nurses' facial expressions and body language and got a general impression of PCHC nurses being either open, unclear or closed.

BMC Nursing

Ed Miliband gave the Prime Minister the impression he would back him, then for reasons that are still unclear, changed his mind".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's understanding or initial reaction, use "unclear impression" to indicate a lack of clarity. For example, "After the meeting, the team had an "unclear impression" of the project's direction."

Common error

Avoid using "unclear impression" when the intended meaning is disinterest or apathy. Instead, use phrases like "no interest" or "unmoved" to accurately convey a lack of concern, not a lack of understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unclear impression" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unclear" modifies the noun "impression". As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies a lack of clarity or a vague understanding. The examples illustrate its use in describing perceptions and initial understandings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unclear impression" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a vague or ambiguous understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is commonly found in both news and scientific contexts, expressing uncertainty or a lack of definite understanding. While acceptable across different registers, precision is key, especially in formal settings. Alternatives such as "vague notion" or "imprecise understanding" may be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indistinct impression

Highlights that the impression is not clearly defined.

imprecise understanding

Focuses on the lack of exactness or accuracy in comprehension.

uncertain perception

Stresses the lack of sureness in how something is viewed or understood.

vague notion

Emphasizes the lack of specific details in the idea.

hazy idea

Suggests a lack of clarity, similar to looking through a haze.

fuzzy perception

Highlights the blurred or indistinct quality of the understanding.

cloudy interpretation

Indicates that the understanding is obscured or not easily seen.

ambiguous feeling

Highlights a sensation that may be interpretable in more than one way.

doubtful sense

Focuses on a feeling or belief that is uncertain or questionable.

blurred vision

Conveys a distorted or unclear mental image.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "unclear impression" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "imprecise understanding", "indistinct impression", or "ambiguous perception" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "unclear impression" and "false impression"?

"Unclear impression" signifies a lack of clarity or vagueness in understanding, whereas "false impression" indicates a mistaken or inaccurate understanding. One refers to ambiguity, the other to inaccuracy.

Is it appropriate to use "unclear impression" in academic writing?

Yes, "unclear impression" is appropriate for academic writing, especially when describing a preliminary or uncertain understanding of a concept or result. However, ensure clarity and precision in your analysis to avoid ambiguity.

What are some common situations where I might have an "unclear impression"?

You might have an "unclear impression" after a confusing presentation, after reading a complex text, or when first encountering a new and intricate concept. It signifies an initial lack of complete understanding.