vague basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or argument that lacks clarity or specificity. Example: "The decision was made on a vague basis, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Most other gardens...things are organized vaguely on the basis of taxonomy or ecosystem--whatever.

The New Yorker

"The wording is vague in some places, but it definitely does not obligate the Mormons to scour their own archives on an ongoing basis".

The New York Times

These guys do not go making decisions on the basis of vague assurances.

The Guardian - Business

Convincing physicians to change how they practice is difficult under any circumstance; convincing them to adopt a vague metric as a basis for reimbursement is even harder.

The New Yorker

These, though vague and hardly the basis for a well defined position, were in themselves perfectly acceptable claims.

SEP

Due to the fact, that some structural parameters, considered at design stage, are specified on the basis of vague, limited or imprecise information, it is required to model them as uncertain quantities.

Computers & Structures

In this context, the expert's role is essential, because he is able to synthesize the information resulting from the inventory and from the commonly imprecise, if not vague, criteria on the basis of his experience and his knowledge of the geological, historical, economic regional context.

Engineering Geology

In a new report, the cross-party committee warned of the danger of trying to "enforce the impossible", saying the judgement had resulted in material being blocked on the basis of "vague, ambiguous and unhelpful" criteria which did not reflect the current state of information technology.

BBC

Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University, said Sessions' words might be too vague to form the basis of a perjury case because there could be different interpretations of what the term pushing back means.

Huffington Post

Nonetheless, the police cannot stop someone on the basis of a vague hunch.

The New York Times

And she concluded that signs in public housing prohibiting loitering and lingering are unconstitutionally vague when they become the basis for police arrests of residents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vague basis", ensure that the context clarifies the nature and implications of the lack of specificity. This helps the reader understand the potential risks or uncertainties involved.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is based on a "vague basis" without providing any context or clarification. This can leave the reader confused and uncertain about the legitimacy or reliability of the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague basis" functions as a noun phrase where "vague" modifies the noun "basis". It indicates that the foundation or reason for something lacks clarity or specificity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, albeit not exceedingly common.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vague basis" is grammatically correct and usable, serving to denote a lack of specificity or clarity in the foundation of an idea, argument, or decision. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its relative infrequency suggests that alternative phrasings might sometimes be preferable depending on context. It's crucial to clarify the implications of this vagueness to prevent confusion and ensure the information is communicated effectively. The best approach involves providing additional context and specific examples to mitigate the potential uncertainty caused by a "vague basis".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear foundation

Focuses on the lack of clarity and definition in the underlying support or reason.

ambiguous grounds

Highlights the uncertainty and open to interpretation nature of the reasons or justification.

ill-defined reason

Emphasizes the lack of clear definition or boundaries in the stated cause or explanation.

tenuous justification

Suggests that the rationale is weak, shaky, or barely sufficient.

uncertain premise

Highlights the doubtful or questionable nature of the initial assumption or proposition.

indefinite rationale

Focuses on the lack of precise or clear limits to the underlying reason or logic.

imprecise reason

Underscores the lack of accuracy or exactness in the explanation provided.

nebulous rationale

Suggests that the reasoning is hazy, indistinct, or lacking in a clear shape.

fuzzy justification

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and sharp definition in the validation provided.

sketchy grounds

Highlights the incompleteness and potential unreliability of the reasons given.

FAQs

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

You can use "vague basis" to describe a decision, argument, or conclusion that lacks specific details or a clear foundation. For example: "The policy change was implemented on a "vague basis", leading to confusion among employees."

What are some alternatives to "vague basis"?

Alternatives include phrases like "unclear foundation", "ambiguous grounds", or "ill-defined reason". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean for something to be based on a "vague basis"?

It means that the reasons or evidence supporting the idea, decision, or conclusion are not clearly defined, specific, or well-supported. This can create uncertainty or raise concerns about the validity of the action.

Is it always negative to say something is based on a "vague basis"?

While often negative, suggesting a lack of rigor or clarity, it can also simply indicate that the underlying reasons are complex or not easily quantifiable. The context is crucial in determining the connotation.