vague between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague between" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to describe something that lacks clarity or precision in a comparative sense. Example: "The instructions were vague between the two options, making it difficult to choose the right one."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The American position was that the resolution not draw any link, no matter how vague, between possible court action and the mandate for Unamid, the acronym for the peacekeeping force.

The New York Times

That he was scared of being booed in the stadium by those who remember that Israel was the apartheid regime's last and doughtiest friend in the developed world, and by those who detect similarities, however vague, between the maltreatment of black South Africans and the subjugation of Palestinians in the occupied territories.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Others found in India are dated more vaguely, between 1m and 1.5m years old.

The Guardian

Core Liberal Democrat values are not about fitting into a camp that stands vaguely between Labour and Conservative values.

Independent

On the screen, however, because the camera hovers vaguely between her point of view and Henry's — and because the director Robert Schwentke lays a heavy hand on every nuance and has made a dirge about love instead of an ode — the scene wobbles between unpersuasive comedy and outright creepiness, as does much of the movie.

The New York Times

Thus occupying the vague space between archetype and anecdote, between the particular and the more broadly illustrative, Riis's photos realized photography's unique and enduring possibility to serve artistic and documentary ends at once.

The New Yorker

Thus occupying the vague space between archetype and anecdote, between the particular and the more broadly illustrative, Riis's photos realized photography's unique and enduring possibility — to serve artistic and documentary ends at once.

The New Yorker

This vague overlapping between individuality and economy, between the roles we play and our supposedly real "inner-life" reflects a universal tension present in almost everyone's life.

Huffington Post

Alas, key images suggest a rather vague relationship between form and space.

Independent

There is only a vague line between Mr. Rosen's personal and professional lives.

The New York Times

Before the war, Mr. Bush spoke of far more than vague "ties" between Iraq and Al Qaeda.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger alternatives that accurately pinpoint the nature of the relationship you are aiming to describe, e.g. tenuous, nebulous.

Common error

Avoid using "vague between" when describing precise relationships or distinctions. It can lead to confusion, as it isn't a standard construction. Opt for well-defined phrases to convey your intended meaning accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague between" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a relationship or distinction. As Ludwig AI points out, this usage is non-standard. It aims to describe something lacking clarity in the context of multiple elements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vague between" is a non-standard phrase that attempts to express a lack of clarity in a relationship or distinction. Ludwig AI advises against its use due to grammatical issues. While it appears in some news and scientific sources, clearer alternatives such as "unclear distinction between" or "ambiguous relationship between" are recommended for more precise communication. When precision is crucial, avoid "vague between" and opt for well-established phrases to convey your intended meaning accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambiguous relationship

Directly addresses the uncertainty in a relationship.

ill-defined distinction

Emphasizes the lack of clear boundaries between two things.

fuzzy boundary

Implies a lack of precision in defining limits.

blurred line

Highlights the indistinct nature of a boundary.

unclear demarcation

Highlights the absence of a distinct separation.

indistinct separation

Focuses on the lack of clarity in a division.

tenuous connection

Focuses on the weak or unsubstantial nature of a link.

imprecise correlation

Emphasizes the inexact nature of a relationship.

nebulous area

Suggests an unclear and undefined space or concept.

loose association

Suggests a weak or informal connection.

FAQs

What does "vague between" mean?

The phrase "vague between" is non-standard and can be confusing. It attempts to describe something lacking clarity in relation to two or more things, but it's better to use clearer alternatives.

How can I replace "vague between" in a sentence?

Instead of "vague between", consider using phrases like "unclear distinction", "ambiguous relationship", or "ill-defined distinction" for improved clarity.

Is it grammatically correct to say "vague between"?

No, "vague between" is not a standard grammatical construction in English. It's advisable to use more precise and widely accepted alternatives.

Which is correct, "vague between" or "unclear between"?

"Unclear between" is slightly better but it still isn't ideal. Consider rewriting with clearer phrasing such as "unclear distinction between" or "ambiguous relationship between" for more precise communication.