vague details

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague details" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information that is unclear or lacking in specificity. Example: "The report was filled with vague details that left the team confused about the project's direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

We have heard only vague details about the plan.

The Guardian

But he has so far offered only vague details of his security plans, focusing instead on social and economic programs.

The New York Times

It was a livelihood I understood far better than the mystery-cloaked arms deals I was given vague details about as a child.

The New York Times

Although Kemp provided only vague details about the project, he said, "I can tell you that General Tommy Franks has joined the advisory board of Free Market Global".

The New Yorker

One caller, angered at my stuttered insistence on procuring any vague details for his "respected Birmingham law firm", actually ended with the words: "Then fuck you, Ferguson".

The Guardian

Stottlemyre has asked reporters to respect his privacy and does not discuss his treatment; Torre has shared only vague details about it.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

There's the individual who says Ford told her about the alleged incident in vague detail over Facebook last year.

The Washington Post

The Coalition scored poorly in most categories, with the report criticising its lack of an absolute limit on emissions, vague detail on its carbon price alternative and uncertain support for renewable energy investment.

The Guardian

Mirroring the deliberately vague detail within the novel, the blurb on the book is unusually written, in that it does not name the characters or reveal the plot.

Wikipedia

Not only is the minimum age on some nights being raised to 19, but there is also talk of "covert surveillance" within the club a disconcertingly vague detail.

Vice

After looking through it for a few minutes I came across this article, apparently written in September of this year, vaguely detailing how an online community of "bullies" has been attacking Belzebuub lately with a "hate campaign".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vague details", follow up with an explanation of why the details are vague or what is missing. This provides context and avoids leaving the reader confused. For instance, "The plan was presented with "vague details", lacking specific timelines and budget allocations."

Common error

Avoid using "vague details" as a crutch to mask a lack of understanding or information. If possible, strive to clarify those details instead of simply labeling them as vague. For example, instead of stating "The contract contained "vague details"", attempt to specify which aspects were unclear or ambiguous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague details" functions as a noun phrase, where "vague" modifies the noun "details". It describes the quality of the details as being unclear or lacking specificity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vague details" is a commonly used phrase that indicates a lack of clarity or specificity in certain information. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, especially in news media. When using this phrase, ensure you provide enough context to explain why the details are vague. For alternatives, consider "unclear particulars" or "sketchy information". Overall, while acceptable, try to clarify these details as much as possible to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unclear particulars

Replaces "vague" with "unclear" and "details" with "particulars", suggesting a lack of clarity in the specifics.

Sketchy information

Uses "sketchy" to describe the information, implying it's incomplete and possibly unreliable.

Imprecise specifics

Replaces "vague" with "imprecise" and "details" with "specifics", indicating a lack of exactness.

Generalities

Focuses on the broad, non-specific nature of the information, omitting the "details" aspect.

Indefinite features

Substitutes "vague" with "indefinite" and "details" with "features", suggesting a lack of clear definition.

Hazy facts

Uses "hazy" to describe the facts, implying they are unclear and difficult to discern.

Ambiguous data

Replaces "vague" with "ambiguous" and "details" with "data", suggesting the information is open to multiple interpretations.

Loose ends

Emphasizes the unfinished or unresolved aspects of the information, rather than its lack of clarity.

Fragmentary insights

Highlights the incomplete nature of the information, suggesting it is broken or disjointed.

Superficial knowledge

Focuses on the lack of depth in understanding, implying a lack of thoroughness rather than vagueness.

FAQs

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

"Vague details" are often used when describing something lacking specificity. For example, "The initial report provided only "vague details" about the incident."

What are some alternatives to saying "vague details"?

Alternatives include phrases like "unclear particulars", "sketchy information", or "imprecise specifics".

Is it better to provide some information with "vague details" or no information at all?

Providing some information, even with "vague details", is generally better than providing no information, as it can offer a starting point. However, transparency about the limitations is essential.

What makes details "vague"?

Details become "vague" when they are indistinct, imprecise, or lack specific information that would make them clear and understandable. This can be due to intentional omission or a genuine lack of available specifics.