vague notion

USAGE SUMMARY

"vague notion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an idea or thought that is unclear or not well-defined. For example, "My father had a vague notion that he should start his own business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many undergraduates have only a vague notion of what constitutes strong analytical writing.

University of California, Berkeley

T-13, itself and not in a vague notion of trade-mark misuse.

Harvard University

He had only a vague notion to build a house that stood out.

The New York Times

But the mechanism for providing aid is still a pretty vague notion.

The Economist

We had muddled through on the vague notion that we'd each do our bit.

Independent

He said he had only a vague notion of what Mr. Fuentes did.

The New York Times

The Charleses had only a vague notion of what cystic fibrosis was.

The New York Times

Many Americans have a vague notion of an ungrateful nation that's gone soft and smug.

The New York Times

"You have a vague notion of a history, some kind of lost past.

The New York Times

It now has 84 majors, many with only a vague notion of the future for which they are training.

The New York Times

I had some vague notion that we were going to come from behind in New Hampshire, that kind of thing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vague notion" when you want to convey that an idea is not fully formed or understood. Be mindful that overuse can suggest a lack of clarity in your writing. If precision is key, develop the notion more fully or replace it with a more concrete idea.

Common error

Avoid relying on the phrase "vague notion" too frequently, as it can make your writing seem imprecise or lacking in substance. If you find yourself using it often, consider whether you can replace it with a more specific term or elaborate on the idea to make it clearer to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague notion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used to denote an idea, concept, or understanding that lacks clarity, precision, or detail.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vague notion" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an idea or concept that is not clearly defined. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts but appears most frequently in news and media. When aiming for more precision, consider alternatives like "unclear idea" or "fuzzy concept". Avoid overusing "vague notion" as it may weaken your writing and suggest a lack of clarity. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "vague notion" into your writing while maintaining clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear idea

Focuses on the lack of clarity in the thought itself.

fuzzy concept

Emphasizes the lack of precision and sharpness in the idea.

hazy understanding

Highlights the incomplete and indistinct nature of comprehension.

imprecise thought

Stresses the lack of accuracy and detail in the mental process.

tenuous grasp

Implies a weak and uncertain hold on an idea or concept.

ill-defined concept

Highlights the lack of clear boundaries and characteristics.

nebulous idea

Emphasizes the indistinct and formless nature of the thought.

shadowy impression

Suggests a faint and indistinct mental image or feeling.

rough outline

Implies a preliminary and incomplete sketch of an idea.

general sense

Focuses on having only a broad and unspecific awareness.

FAQs

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

You can use "vague notion" to describe an idea or concept that is not clearly defined or fully understood. For example, "He had a "vague notion" of what the job entailed, but he applied anyway".

What are some alternatives to "vague notion"?

Alternatives to "vague notion" include "unclear idea", "fuzzy concept", or "hazy understanding". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be specific instead of using a "vague notion"?

In most cases, being specific is preferable to using a "vague notion", as it provides clarity and avoids ambiguity. However, there are times when a "vague notion" is appropriate, such as when you are describing an initial or incomplete idea.

What is the difference between "vague notion" and "misconception"?

A "vague notion" is an unclear or ill-defined idea, while a "misconception" is an incorrect or mistaken belief. A "vague notion" may simply lack clarity, while a misconception is actively wrong.