vague assertion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague assertion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement that lacks clarity or specificity, often making it difficult to understand or evaluate. Example: "The politician's vague assertion about the economy left many voters confused about his actual plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

This was not some vague assertion; Jalil provided names, details and places.

The New York Times - Magazine

The main objections are the justices' own concerns about privacy and a vague assertion that televising proceedings would somehow diminish the court.

The New York Times

This may be a vague assertion, but it does have a kind of accuracy, with Ancient Greek, 18th-century French, 1930s Soviet and 20th century Australian variations.

The Guardian - Opinion

The first, he said, was whether the I.R.A.'s vague assertion that its "strategies and disciplines will not be inconsistent with the Good Friday Agreement" meant an end to "targeting, procurement of weapons, so-called punishment beatings and so forth".

The New York Times

Over time, however, as the presence of Indian blood evolved from racial embarrassment to something potentially interesting and exotic, Métis identities started to be expansively and controversially claimed by any otherwise white person willing to make, a la Elizabeth Warren's claim of Native American heritage, a vague assertion of aboriginal background.

The Washington Post

"However, the conclusion by U.S.A.D.A.'s review board -- whose members were all chosen by U.S.A.D.A.'s chief executive, Terry Madden, and is hardly an independent body to proceed with the adjudication process based on some vague assertion of Tim's alleged involvement with Balco -- further underscores the basic lack of fairness in this entire process.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

We should also demand clear, specific commitments for the future, and we should be skeptical of vague assertions, implausible promises, and excuses for prior failures.

University of California, Berkeley

Vague assertions are sometimes made, but there is very little hard evidence and often a lack of candor on that side of the argument.

The New York Times

The rise of Maxwell House was a triumph of advertising: like most successful coffee companies, it promoted itself with vague assertions of excellence.

The New Yorker

The content was indistinguishable from the rally content: riffs about his various political opponents, vague assertions about his policy goals, disparagement of the news media.

The Washington Post

The Bush administration's record for truthfulness is not such that one should rely on its often meaningless and vague assertions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing an argument, specify why you consider it a "vague assertion". Provide specific examples of what makes it unclear or unsubstantiated to strengthen your critique.

Common error

Avoid labeling every unsubstantiated statement as a "vague assertion". Reserve this term for situations where the lack of clarity significantly weakens the argument or claim. Use other terms to describe statements that are simply wrong or unsupported by evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague assertion" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "vague" modifies the noun "assertion". It's used to describe a statement or claim that lacks clarity, detail, or supporting evidence. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable and correct in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vague assertion" is a useful tool for critically evaluating claims and arguments. As Ludwig AI shows, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, especially in News & Media. However, when using this phrase, it's essential to provide specific reasons for considering an assertion vague, offering concrete examples of the lack of clarity or supporting evidence. While effective, it shouldn't be overused; instead, consider alternatives like "unsubstantiated claim" or "tenuous argument" where appropriate to more precisely convey the intended meaning. Remember that recognizing and pointing out a "vague assertion" is about promoting clarity and accuracy in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsubstantiated claim

Emphasizes the lack of evidence supporting the statement.

ambiguous contention

Emphasizes the potential for multiple interpretations.

indefinite statement

Focuses on the lack of clear boundaries or limits in the statement.

dubious statement

Suggests the statement is questionable or doubtful.

tenuous argument

Highlights the weakness or fragility of the reasoning.

unclear allegation

Focuses on the lack of clarity in an accusation or charge.

imprecise declaration

Highlights the lack of exactness or accuracy.

generalised statement

Highlights a lack of detail or over-simplification.

speculative claim

Highlights that the claim is based on speculation and not on facts.

nebulous proposition

Suggests the statement is hazy or ill-defined.

FAQs

How can I use "vague assertion" in a sentence?

You can use "vague assertion" to describe a statement that lacks clarity or is not supported by sufficient evidence. For example, "The politician's "vague assertion" about economic growth was met with skepticism."

What are some alternatives to "vague assertion"?

Some alternatives to "vague assertion" include "unsubstantiated claim", "tenuous argument", or "ambiguous contention". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "vague assertion" in formal writing?

Yes, "vague assertion" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when analyzing arguments or evaluating evidence. However, ensure that your usage is precise and justified.

How does a "vague assertion" differ from a false statement?

A "vague assertion" lacks clarity and specificity, making it difficult to assess its truthfulness. A false statement, on the other hand, is demonstrably untrue, even if it's clearly stated.