vague enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that lacks clarity or precision to a sufficient degree. Example: "The instructions were vague enough that I wasn't sure how to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Vague enough for you?

The New York Times

Am I being vague enough?

The New Yorker

This language is vague enough to bear numerous interpretations.

The New Yorker

Reporters will keep the questions vague enough to seem respectful, but purposeful enough to be understood.

The New York Times - Sports

They are vague enough to make you fill in the gaps: therein lies their force.

Independent

Yet the genius of her message is that it's vague enough to be nearly universal.

The Washington Post

Directions in the book were good, but vague enough to offer a frisson of explorer excitement.

The Guardian - Travel

But Comey's description of warrant-proof technologies is vague enough to apply to many different things.

MIT Technology Review

He was vague enough that his statement could be interpreted in a number of different ways.

The Washington Post

He believed the constitution was vague enough he could bend it".

The Guardian

The wording of the accord reached last week in Pittsburgh is vague enough to allow interpretation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vague enough" to describe statements or descriptions that are intentionally broad to allow for flexibility or multiple interpretations. This is useful in negotiations or when avoiding commitment to specific details.

Common error

Avoid using "vague enough" so often that your writing lacks substance. Balance it with concrete details to maintain clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague enough" typically functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the degree of vagueness something possesses. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

18%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vague enough" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjectival phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe something that lacks clarity or precision to a sufficient degree. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic writing. While intentional vagueness can be strategic, overuse can undermine clarity, so it's important to balance the phrase with concrete details. Alternative phrases like "sufficiently ambiguous" or "not specific enough" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sufficiently ambiguous

Emphasizes the ambiguity rather than the lack of clarity.

Imprecise to a degree

Highlights the lack of precision, adding a formal tone.

Not specific enough

Focuses on the absence of detail, implying a need for more information.

Somewhat ill-defined

Indicates a lack of clear boundaries or limits.

Ambiguous to a fault

Highlights excessive ambiguity, suggesting it's a negative quality.

General enough to

Implies a broadness that allows for multiple interpretations.

Broad to the point of

Similar to "general enough to", but with a hint of criticism.

Lacking sufficient clarity

Emphasizes the absence of clear understanding.

Indefinite to some extent

Indicates a degree of uncertainty or lack of definition.

Obscure to a certain level

Highlights the lack of transparency or easy understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "vague enough" to describe something lacking precision to a sufficient degree, such as "The instructions were "vague enough" that I wasn't sure how to proceed".

What can I say instead of "vague enough"?

Alternatives include "sufficiently ambiguous", "imprecise to a degree", or "not specific enough", depending on the context.

Is it better to be "vague enough" or very specific?

It depends on the situation. Being "vague enough" can be useful when flexibility is needed, but specificity is better when clear communication is essential.

When is being "vague enough" a good strategy?

Being "vague enough" can be a good strategy in negotiations or political statements where you want to avoid making firm commitments or alienating different groups.