vague expression

USAGE SUMMARY

'vague expression' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an expression that is not precise or does not offer enough detail. For example: "The editor thought the author's description was too vague and asked her to provide a more detailed expression."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

For all their complexity (and their relation to deep questions of the rights of the citizen and the responsibilities that a community can justifiably impose on the citizen), those considerations do not determine a standard that is more precise than a standard that could be expressed using such an ordinary vague expression as 'bald'bald

SEP

But – and this is a very, very big but – one vague expression does not postmodernism make.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 1992, parliament endorsed a vague expression of appreciation for Sugiyama's role.

The Guardian

Trump made a vague expression of contrition, but with the air of a man looking over the moderators' shoulders for a sign pointing to said locker room.

The New Yorker

He looked at me for a moment, without really seeing me, then his eyes opened wide and disbelief took over the initial vague expression.

The Guardian

Feminism is, of course, part of human rights in general – but to choose to use the vague expression human rights is to deny the specific and particular problem of gender.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Saying only generally positive things, vague expressions of hope.

The New Yorker

Duvalier has not explained his motive for returning, beyond vague expressions of wanting to help rebuild the quake-shattered nation.

The Guardian

Written legislation incorporating traditional rights and customs takes the place of the vague expressions of the old charters.

The Architecture of England From Norman Times to the Present Day

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives, though, has proved tougher to crack, despite vague expressions of support from party leaders.

The Economist

Finally, we apply bipolar belief measures in a preliminary decision theoretic study so as to begin to understand how the use of vague expressions can help to mitigate the risk associated with making forecasts or promises.

Artificial Intelligence

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, avoid using "vague expressions". Opt for precise language to convey your message effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "vague expressions" in technical documentation or scientific reports. Always strive for precision and clarity in these contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague expression" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to a statement or communication lacking precision or clarity. Ludwig AI shows several examples of its use in describing language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vague expression" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe language lacking clarity or precision. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts, primarily in news, media, and scientific domains. When employing this phrase, it's advisable to provide specific examples to enhance understanding. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, its effectiveness depends on the surrounding context and the need for precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imprecise term

Emphasizes the lack of exactness in a particular word or phrase.

ambiguous statement

Focuses on the lack of clear meaning in a statement.

unclear formulation

Highlights the lack of clarity in how something is expressed.

indefinite description

Emphasizes the lack of specific details in a description.

general statement

Refers to a broad statement lacking specific details.

equivocal remark

Focuses on the ambiguity and potential for multiple interpretations in a remark.

fuzzy concept

Highlights the blurred boundaries of the concept being delivered.

ill-defined notion

Points out the lack of clear definition in a notion.

nebulous idea

Suggests that the idea is unclear and ill-defined.

tenuous explanation

Highlights the weakness and lack of solid foundation in an explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "vague expression" to describe statements or phrases that lack clarity or precision. For example, "The politician's response was a "vague expression" of support, offering no concrete details."

What are some alternatives to "vague expression"?

Alternatives include "ambiguous statement", "imprecise term", or "unclear formulation" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "vague expression" and "ambiguous expression"?

"Vague expression" suggests a lack of clarity or detail, while "ambiguous expression" implies the possibility of multiple interpretations. A vague expression lacks specifics, while an ambiguous expression has multiple potential meanings.

In what situations is it appropriate to use a "vague expression"?

Using a "vague expression" might be suitable when you want to avoid being overly specific, maintain a level of discretion, or when the precise details are not critical to the overall message. However, it's essential to balance vagueness with clarity to avoid confusion.