vague language

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague language" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe communication that lacks clarity or precision, making it difficult for the audience to understand the intended message. Example: "The report was filled with vague language, leaving the readers confused about the main points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others criticise its vague language.

The Economist

The Balfour declaration used deliberately vague language.

The New York Times - Books

Use vague language in your subject line.

Harvard University

This is when the peculiar and vague language kicks in.

The Guardian

That point was underscored by the vague language around the timeline for handing over security responsibility.

The New York Times

Raouf Ismail, 43, a computer engineer, said: "Sharaf used very vague language.

The New York Times

Instead, Mr. Wen spoke in more vague language that fell short of an endorsement.

The New York Times

But behind the deliberately vague language lies an important new commitment, the officials say.

The New York Times

When individuals hide behind vague language, they can obscure the truth or present misleading information.

The Washington Post

As usual in diplomatic negotiations, the final document contains very vague language on many crucial aspects.

The Guardian

Recognizing Vague Language — Can students detect and strip away vague or ambiguous language in arguments?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace "vague language" with more specific terms relevant to the type of vagueness, such as "ambiguous wording" or "unclear phrasing."

Common error

While "vague language" is acceptable, excessive use can undermine credibility. Strengthen your argument by replacing it with concrete examples and precise language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague language" functions as a noun phrase, where "vague" modifies the noun "language". It describes the quality of language being imprecise or lacking clarity. As supported by Ludwig, this term is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vague language" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe a lack of clarity or precision in communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While very common in News & Media and Academia, it's essential to consider more specific terms for clarity. When aiming for precision in writing, avoid overusing "vague language" and consider alternatives like "ambiguous wording" or "unclear phrasing" to convey your intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambiguous wording

Focuses on the ambiguity present in the specific words used.

unclear phrasing

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in how something is expressed.

imprecise terminology

Highlights the lack of precision in the technical terms used.

nebulous expression

Suggests a cloudiness or lack of distinctness in the way something is conveyed.

evasive communication

Indicates an intent to avoid directness or clarity.

indefinite statement

Highlights the lack of specific boundaries or limits in the statement.

opaque formulation

Suggests that the wording is difficult to see through or understand.

tenuous articulation

Emphasizes the weakness or lack of substance in the expression.

equivocal declaration

Implies that the statement is open to multiple interpretations and may be deliberately misleading.

blurred description

Suggests that the details of the description are not clear or distinct.

FAQs

How can I identify "vague language" in a document?

Look for terms lacking specific definitions, statements open to multiple interpretations, and phrasing that avoids precise details. Consider replacing it with concrete examples and specific terms.

What are the negative consequences of using "vague language"?

It can lead to misinterpretations, confusion, and a lack of trust. In legal or contractual contexts, it can result in disputes and unenforceable agreements.

What can I say instead of "vague language"?

You can use alternatives like "ambiguous wording", "unclear phrasing", or "imprecise terminology" depending on the context.

In what situations might "vague language" be intentionally used?

Sometimes, "vague language" is used deliberately in diplomacy or negotiation to avoid committing to specific terms or to allow for flexibility in interpretation.