vague picture

USAGE SUMMARY

"vague picture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an idea that is not clearly articulated or defined. For example, "The professor presented a vague picture of the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Without help from a writer's description, and involuntarily, I will gradually begin to form a vague picture of each character.

The Guardian - Books

Almost abstract in its use of clouds, mountains, and vast open spaces, "Idaho" was a dreamy, vague picture; River Phoenix's character, Mike, was a narcoleptic, and having sex with someone was about the only way he could stay awake.

The New Yorker

He'd paint a vague picture of lesser nations, unblessed by his guidance, seeing their citizens reduced to living in cardboard boxes and eating what the supermarkets threw out at closing time.

The Guardian

When "Hunky Dory" came out, I took one look at the album cover — a soft, vague picture of the artist looking soft and vague — and anticipated a soft, vague sensibility.

The New Yorker

The film, "Cab Calloway: Sketches" by Gail Levin, jettisons much of what would be in a conventional biography — we are given only a vague picture of his early life — and instead focuses on his work as a bandleader, in savvy but accessible detail.

The New York Times - Arts

(Dargis) 'The Iron Lady' (PG-13, 1 45) Meryl Streep, an Oscar nominee, plays Margaret Thatcher, in power and in retirement, with brilliant wit and sly sympathy, but the film, directed by Phyllida Lloyd, falls back on biopic clichés and leaves us with a soft and vague picture of a woman who was surely the opposite.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

As I'm talking, I see vague pictures of Bessel functions...with light-tan j's, slightly violet-bluish n's, and dark brown x's flying around.

Huffington Post

"I can vaguely picture it," Mr. Leahy reminisced.

The New York Times

However vague the picture in Syria may have been before this conflict began, the blood of many thousands has now muddied it further still.

BBC

The psychiatrist's acquaintance with the phenomenon of "non-specific specificity" is, in our view, extremely important in the context of early diagnostic assessment, especially of patients presenting with a vague, unelaborated picture of maladjustment, underperformance, chronic malaise and dysphoria, negative symptoms, or hypochondriac preoccupations.

Harvard Review of Psychiatry

If you know about it only vaguely or picture it in a gentle light, the student revolt at Columbia in April 1968 might seem like a romantic episode in that era's youthful rebellion.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vague picture" when you want to convey that something is not clearly defined or understood. For example, "The suspect provided a "vague picture" of the events."

Common error

Avoid using "vague picture" in highly formal or technical writing where precision is crucial. Opt for more specific terms like "ill-defined" or "imprecise" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague picture" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective vague modifies the noun picture. It typically serves as a descriptive element, indicating a lack of clarity or definition in the subject being described. Ludwig examples showcase this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vague picture" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something lacking clarity or detail. According to Ludwig AI, its AI finds it correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. While appropriate for general use, more precise language may be needed in formal settings. Related phrases such as "unclear depiction" or "fuzzy image" offer similar meanings with subtle differences. When using the phrase "vague picture", ensure it aligns with the level of formality required by your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear depiction

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in the representation.

fuzzy image

Highlights the lack of sharp details.

imprecise representation

Focuses on the lack of accuracy in the portrayal.

blurry outline

Suggests a lack of distinct boundaries.

ill-defined concept

Shifts the focus to a lack of clarity in an idea or notion.

general impression

Indicates a broad and non-specific understanding.

rough sketch

Implies incompleteness and lack of detail.

hazy notion

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in an idea or belief.

tenuous grasp

Highlights a weak or uncertain understanding.

shadowy form

Suggests something indistinct and difficult to discern.

FAQs

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

You can use "vague picture" to describe something that lacks clarity or detail. For example, "The witness gave a "vague picture" of the suspect."

What is a good alternative to "vague picture"?

Alternatives include "unclear depiction", "fuzzy image", or "imprecise representation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, "vague picture" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise terms like "ill-defined concept" or "imprecise representation".

What does it mean to have a "vague picture" of something?

Having a "vague picture" means your understanding or mental image of something is not clear, detailed, or well-defined. It implies a lack of specific information.