vague lines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague lines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe lines that are not clearly defined or are ambiguous in nature, often in artistic or metaphorical contexts. Example: "The artist's painting featured vague lines that blurred the boundaries between reality and imagination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And even the law's defenders must concede that arbitrary and vague lines can divide indecent from tolerable material.

The New York Times

This volume is peppered with vague lines like "many believe that wars among the great powers are no longer possible," or "it is a common perception today that the international free market system is simply a natural stage in the evolution of the global economy".

The New York Times - Books

When I was little, I saw my grandmother, at what I now realise was an early age, gradually disappear into a sweet-natured fog, a benevolent dissipation, but because I was young it was a mild experience – like seeing a pencil drawing slowly rubbed out until only a few vague lines were left.

The Guardian

Our legal and financial apparatus is resistant to vague lines of ownership.

Huffington Post

For better or worse, many leading holy texts have a few vague lines each prohibiting acts of non-normative sexual orientation.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

There is only a vague line between Mr. Rosen's personal and professional lives.

The New York Times

They create a bounty of chances in games but do not score enough goals, and the defence is a vague line of uncertainty.

Independent

As long as the products stay on the far side of the vague line defining "medical claims," they remain food supplements.

The New York Times - Health

What they don't do, as a general rule, is lure you into the mind of the afflicted character, or make you realize what a vague line divides the so-called sane from the insane.

The New York Times

Kloester has a vague line about how Heyer's world of sparkling shoe buckles helped people get through the grey days of the depression and the second world war, but this won't quite do.

The Guardian - Books

With academic precision (although with less narrative verve than general readers might hope), the Rothmans consider several notable examples of "treatments" that have crossed that vague line from therapy to enhancement.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or situations, "vague lines" can effectively convey uncertainty or ambiguity. Use it when you want to emphasize a lack of clear distinction, especially in metaphorical or artistic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "vague lines" in highly technical or scientific writing where precision is paramount. Instead, opt for more specific terms that clearly define the boundaries or criteria.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague lines" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of clarity or precision. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies ambiguity and a lack of distinct definition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "vague lines" serves as a descriptive element indicating a lack of clear definition or precision. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While grammatically sound, it is more appropriate for descriptive or metaphorical contexts than for technical or scientific writing where clarity is crucial. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, reflecting its use in describing ambiguous situations or concepts. Alternatives such as "indistinct lines" or "fuzzy outlines" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indistinct lines

Replaces "vague" with a synonym, focusing on the lack of clear distinction.

unclear boundaries

Shifts from "lines" to "boundaries", emphasizing the lack of clear separation.

fuzzy outlines

Substitutes "vague" with "fuzzy" and "lines" with "outlines", conveying a similar sense of imprecision.

blurred edges

Uses "blurred" instead of "vague" and "edges" to highlight a lack of sharp definition.

ill-defined borders

Emphasizes the lack of clear definition by using "ill-defined" and "borders".

imprecise contours

Replaces "vague" with "imprecise" and "lines" with "contours", indicating a lack of accuracy.

ambiguous demarcations

Uses more formal language to convey a lack of clarity in boundaries.

nebulous divisions

Employs "nebulous" and "divisions" to suggest indistinct separation.

tenuous boundaries

Conveys a sense of weakness or uncertainty in the boundaries.

shadowy delineations

Uses metaphorical language to suggest an unclear or hidden boundary.

FAQs

What does "vague lines" mean?

The phrase "vague lines" refers to lines that are not clearly defined or are ambiguous. They lack sharpness and precision, often making it difficult to determine exact boundaries or distinctions.

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

You can use "vague lines" to describe anything lacking clear definition. For example, "The policy created "unclear boundaries" between personal and professional conduct."

What are some alternatives to "vague lines"?

Alternatives include "indistinct lines", "fuzzy outlines", or "blurred edges". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "vague lines" in formal writing?

While acceptable, using "vague lines" is typically more suitable for descriptive or metaphorical contexts. In formal or technical writing, consider using more precise terminology to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "vague lines", you might use phrases like "ill-defined criteria" or "unclear specifications".