unclear things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unclear things" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that is unknown or difficult to understand. For example, "I have been researching the topic, but there are still some unclear things that need to be clarified."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Mr. Elway recently conducted a poll that clarified only how unclear things are.

The New York Times

He knew the year pretty well, the hospital doctors said, and yes, he was still saying a few unclear things about the South Pacific, but he could be further evaluated as an outpatient.

The New York Times - Health

(The terms 'adelic' and 'prodelic' derive from the Greek words adêlon and prodêlon, meaning 'unclear' and 'clear' respectively; thus, the 'adelic' conception of the criterion of truth is the one which emphasizes the role of the criterion in the discovery of unclear things, whereas the 'prodelic' conception is the one which emphasizes that those truths delivered by the criterion are clearly true).

SEP

Good poets are those who write clearly about unclear things.

Huffington Post

I am in my own recent work trying to write clearly about unclear things.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Vācaspati Miśra asks, "How can such a vague and unclear thing be identified with a clear and distinct perception?" (Nyāyavārttikatātparyaṭīkā, p. 127).

SEP

Sometimes a poem is hoping to be clear about an unclear thing.

Huffington Post

"It was still unclear where things were going," he added.

The New York Times

It was unclear where things went wrong on Saturday night, and there were conflicting accounts.

The New York Times

But after weeks of hullabaloo after a Federal Trade Commission report accusing Hollywood of inappropriately marketing adult entertainment to children, it is unclear whether things will change with regard to the nation's most powerful promotional tool: television.

The New York Times

PAGE 6 Sleight of Hand in Peru Peru's president, Alberto K. Fujimori, has promised to dismantle his spy agency, but with a system that runs on personal rather than institutional power, it is unclear whether things will change.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unclear things", ensure the context provides hints or clues about what specifically is unclear, rather than leaving the reader guessing entirely.

Common error

Avoid using "unclear things" as a placeholder for specific problems or issues. Always strive to identify and articulate what makes them unclear in the first place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unclear things" functions as a noun phrase, where "unclear" modifies the noun "things". Ludwig provides examples showing its use to denote aspects or elements that lack clarity or are not well understood.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unclear things" refers to aspects, details, or concepts that lack clarity or are not well understood. Grammatically correct, though rare in usage, its primary function is to express uncertainty across diverse contexts, ranging from news to scientific discussions. According to Ludwig, which confirms its proper usage, the phrase is best employed when the context gives readers clues about what specifically remains unclear. While alternatives like "ambiguous details" or "vague matters" can be used, it's crucial to avoid using "unclear things" as a vague substitute for specifying the exact points of confusion or uncertainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vague matters

Emphasizes the lack of precision or detail in the subjects being discussed.

ambiguous details

Focuses on the presence of multiple possible interpretations in the specific information.

obscure elements

Highlights the hidden or not easily discoverable aspects.

nebulous concepts

Refers to ideas that lack a definite form or clear boundaries.

murky areas

Suggests confusion or a lack of transparency in specific fields or domains.

hazy aspects

Indicates a lack of sharpness or definition in certain features or points.

indistinct features

Points to components that are not sharply defined or easily recognizable.

equivocal issues

Highlights the open to question or uncertainty aspect of some matters.

uncertain affairs

Focuses on the unpredictable or unreliable nature of events or situations.

sketchy aspects

Implies that certain elements are incomplete, suspicious or questionable.

FAQs

How can I use "unclear things" in a sentence?

You can use "unclear things" to refer to aspects that are not well-defined or understood in a situation. For example, "Despite the investigation, some "things remain unclear" about the incident".

What are some alternatives to using "unclear things"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "ambiguous details", "vague matters", or "obscure elements".

Is it better to say "unclear things" or "uncertain things"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "unclear things" emphasizes a lack of understanding, while "uncertain things" emphasizes a lack of predictability or reliability.

What's the difference between "unclear things" and "mysterious things"?

"Unclear things" simply means that something is not well understood. "Mysterious things", on the other hand, suggests an element of intrigue or the presence of hidden knowledge.