vague attitude

USAGE SUMMARY

"vague attitude" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are describing someone's attitude, especially if it is difficult to define in precise terms. For example, "His vague attitude towards the work assignment left everyone feeling confused and unsure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"This covers all the points raised in the letter," wrote the press spokesman, a sentiment that just about sums up Labour's despairingly vague attitude to the subject.

The Guardian

A latecomer to the sport, where apprentices usually start at 15, Saito's "vague attitude" to his future career irritated stable-master, Junichi Yamamoto, who allegedly ordered him to be toughened up.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And not to be overlooked in this solid collection were Mr. Van Noten's relaxed trouser suits, high-collared white cotton shirts; and outerwear with a nice, rugged, vaguely English attitude.

The New York Times

If you happen to have a vaguely trainspottery attitude to beer, this place is the bar-top equivalent of the end of platform 10 at Clapham Junction at rush hour.

The Guardian - Travel

But, as long as vague populist attitudes remain unavoidable, populisms that reflect the real interests of the people, left-populisms, are a good counter for populisms of the right.

Huffington Post

So after learning that there were others who shared a vaguely similar attitude towards Phil the Greek, it was a simple next step to fly to Tanna and experience the cult for himself.

Vice

So after learning that there were others who shared a vaguely similar attitude towards Phil the Greek, it made perfect sense to fly to Tanna and experience the cult for himself.

Vice

We'll need a dish of cold cobbler, a bottle of good Scotch, a cellphone, repressed hostility and vaguely liberal attitudes.

The New York Times

She cuts a bizarre figure, fidgeting, fluttering, striking vaguely erotic attitudes, then prowling her domain in so stylized a way that you think a very fastidious flamingo has been crossed with a slowly goose-stepping Nazi; but you cannot miss the shrewdness beneath the show.

The New York Times

(Klippel 1997, 2012) In the British domain, insofar as it was not also 'idealized', Bentham's vague and dismissive attitude toward 'natural rights', and the comparatively circumscribed 'ethics' of Mill's utilitarianism, found little connection with modern natural law, even through its own eighteenth-century inheritance which that approach had helped to shape.

SEP

In Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Switzerland, very odd parties have grown up; in Sweden, a worthy and vague one.Such attitudes do not account for the whole, or even for most, of the new Liberal vote.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "vague attitude", provide specific examples of the behavior or statements that contribute to this impression. This gives the reader a clearer understanding of what you mean.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling an attitude as "vague" without providing context. Instead of saying "His attitude was vague", explain what made it so, such as "His attitude was vague; he never committed to a plan and seemed uninterested in details."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague attitude" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "vague" modifies the noun "attitude". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, serving to describe an undefined or unclear mindset.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vague attitude" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a lack of clarity or definition in someone's mindset or approach. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively rare in occurrence, the phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts. To use it effectively, provide specific examples to illustrate the lack of clarity you're describing. Consider related phrases like "uncertain demeanor" or "ambiguous stance" for nuanced variations. Avoid overusing the phrase without providing supporting details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncertain demeanor

Changes the specific noun to 'demeanor' indicating outward behavior with less clarity.

indistinct outlook

Substitutes 'attitude' with 'outlook' implying a less defined perspective.

nebulous disposition

Replaces 'vague' and 'attitude' with synonyms suggesting an unclear personality.

ambiguous stance

Focuses on a position or viewpoint that lacks clarity.

unclear position

Indicates a lack of clarity in one's viewpoint.

evasive manner

Suggests an intentional avoidance of directness in behavior.

noncommittal approach

Highlights a lack of commitment or decisiveness.

equivocal air

Implies a sense of uncertainty or mixed feelings.

tenuous perception

Suggests a weak or poorly supported understanding.

ill-defined viewpoint

Focuses on the lack of clear definition in a particular opinion.

FAQs

How can I describe a "vague attitude" in more detail?

Instead of just stating someone has a "vague attitude", try to provide specific examples of their behavior or statements. For instance, describe their "uncertain demeanor" or "noncommittal approach".

What's the difference between a "vague attitude" and an evasive one?

A "vague attitude" suggests a lack of clarity or definition, while an "evasive manner" implies an intentional avoidance of directness or commitment. One is unclear, the other is deliberately avoiding clarity.

Is it always negative to have a "vague attitude"?

Not necessarily. While often it suggests a lack of commitment or clarity, in some situations, a "vague attitude" can reflect open-mindedness or a willingness to consider multiple perspectives.

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of a "vague attitude"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "indistinct outlook", "ambiguous stance", or "nebulous disposition" to convey a similar meaning.