vague demarcation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague demarcation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a boundary or distinction that is not clearly defined or is ambiguous. Example: "The report highlighted the vague demarcation between personal and professional responsibilities in remote work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But no one yet knows how this vague demarcation will work in practice.

The Economist

They argue the need for 'new deal' [14] between knowledge and society, one, which would renegotiate their previous responsibilities, in order to respond to the increasing complexity of contemporary societies, the vague demarcation boundaries between universal and industrial science, and between fundamental and applied knowledge.

European Journal of Futures Research

Histological sections of the livers of the dead zebrafish infected with 2.4×10 2.4×10 CFU/mL L. hongkongensis by immersion following dermal abrasion or intraperitoneal injection showed mild congestion and dilation of the hepatic central vein, moderate hydropic degeneration and vague demarcation of hepatocytes.

Emerging Microbes and Infections

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Make colour work harder than for demarcation.

The Guardian - Opinion

But life is a vague predicate and so no line of demarcation can be said to exist.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Most demarcations of historical epochs are necessarily vague.

Huffington Post

In the end, rather than attempt to draw sharp but artificial and contentious lines it seems more fruitful to maintain that the boundaries of demarcation between immanence, pantheism, and panentheism are vague and porous.

SEP

If, as it is natural to think,'is observable' is a vague predicate, we should not expect there to be a precise demarcation between what's observable and what's unobservable.

SEP

Unfortunately, the notion of topic neutrality is too vague to be of much help when it comes to the hard cases for which we need a principle of demarcation.

SEP

No class demarcation intended.

The Guardian - Opinion

Meanwhile, the Lisbon Treaty is vague on many issues — like who is in charge of international policy on climate change — leaving the new personalities to establish lines of demarcation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vague demarcation", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being vaguely defined. Provide additional details to mitigate potential confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "vague demarcation" repeatedly in technical documents. Opt for more precise terms to enhance clarity and reduce ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague demarcation" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes the nature of a boundary or distinction, indicating its lack of clarity or precision. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is deemed grammatically sound and suitable for usage in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vague demarcation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an unclear or poorly defined boundary or distinction. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, the phrase appears in diverse contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context provides enough information to understand the nature of the vagueness, and to consider alternative, more precise terms if greater clarity is needed. Understanding the nuances of "vague demarcation" enhances both clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear boundary

Focuses on the lack of clarity in defining a boundary.

ill-defined boundary

Emphasizes the poor definition of a boundary.

fuzzy distinction

Highlights the lack of sharpness in a distinction.

blurred lines

Indicates a lack of clear separation between two things.

ambiguous separation

Suggests uncertainty in the division between two entities.

indistinct boundary

Highlights a boundary that is not easily perceived or defined.

tenuous division

Emphasizes the weakness or fragility of a division.

imprecise distinction

Focuses on the lack of precision in making a distinction.

nebulous boundary

Emphasizes the hazy or unclear nature of a boundary.

unclear line of separation

Highlights the lack of clarity in a line that separates things.

FAQs

How to use "vague demarcation" in a sentence?

You can use "vague demarcation" to describe situations where a boundary or distinction is not clearly defined. For example, "The report highlighted the "vague demarcation" between personal and professional responsibilities."

What can I say instead of "vague demarcation"?

You can use alternatives like "unclear boundary", "fuzzy distinction", or "ambiguous separation" depending on the context.

Is "vague demarcation" formal or informal?

"Vague demarcation" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language may be preferred in highly technical or legal settings.

What's the difference between "vague demarcation" and "clear distinction"?

"Vague demarcation" implies an unclear or poorly defined boundary, while "clear distinction" suggests that the boundary is well-defined and easily recognizable. They are antonyms.