unclear of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unclear of" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "unclear about." Example: "I am unclear about the requirements for the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Because they are unclear of their intentions".

The New York Times - Arts

Most unclear of all was the expected result.

Independent

It is unclear, of course, whether the world needs another encyclopedia.

The New York Times - Tech

Tom Inns, the school's director, is unclear of its future role.

The Guardian - Arts

It is still unclear, of course, if the Kerry drive here among veterans will yield votes.

The New York Times

Just how much the demand for financial innovation will fade is unclear, of course.

The New York Times

It is unclear, of course, what might come of this whistle-blower complaint.

The New York Times

IT is unclear, of course, how these court cases will turn out.

The New York Times

It is unclear, of course, whether an increase in reserves is in the cards for CVB.

The New York Times

It is unclear, of course, if advertisers will be able to produce shows that will hold consumer attention.

The New York Times

In the meantime, players contracted for as many as four more years are unclear of their futures.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing a lack of understanding, consider the nuance you want to convey. "Uncertain" emphasizes doubt, while "vague" points to a lack of detail.

Common error

The most frequent error is using the preposition "of" instead of "about" after "unclear." Double-check your preposition choice and use "unclear about" to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unclear of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to express a state of uncertainty or lack of understanding. Ludwig's examples show it frequently used to describe someone's state of mind or a situation's ambiguity. However, this construction is considered non-standard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

37%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "unclear of" appears frequently across various sources, including news and scientific publications, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. As Ludwig AI indicates, the correct and preferred alternative is "unclear about" or "unsure of". To maintain grammatical correctness, especially in formal writing, it is best to avoid using "unclear of" and instead opt for the more accepted alternatives. Understanding the nuances of prepositional usage will enhance clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsure of

Replaces "unclear" with "unsure", focusing on a feeling of uncertainty.

uncertain about

Uses "uncertain" instead of "unclear", and "about" as the preposition.

doubtful about

Emphasizes doubt rather than a simple lack of clarity.

vague about

Highlights the lack of specific details or clarity regarding a topic.

hazy about

Suggests a lack of clarity, similar to something being obscured by haze.

in the dark about

Indicates a complete lack of knowledge or awareness.

uninformed about

Focuses on the lack of information as the cause of uncertainty.

misinformed about

Suggests having incorrect information, leading to a lack of clarity.

ignorant of

Highlights a lack of knowledge, often implying a lack of awareness.

oblivious to

Implies a lack of awareness or attention to something.

FAQs

What is the correct preposition to use after "unclear"?

The correct preposition to use after "unclear" is "about". While some instances of "unclear of" exist, they are generally considered grammatically incorrect. Therefore, use "unclear about".

Is "unclear of" ever grammatically correct?

In standard English, "unclear of" is generally considered incorrect. The correct and widely accepted form is "unclear about". It's best to avoid "unclear of" in formal writing.

What can I say instead of "unclear of"?

Instead of "unclear of", you can use alternatives like "unclear about", "unsure of", or "uncertain about" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "unclear of" and "unsure of"?

"Unclear of" is generally considered grammatically incorrect, while "unsure of" is a correct and commonly used phrase to express a lack of certainty. Always opt for "unsure of" in formal writing.