vague response

USAGE SUMMARY

"vague response" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing an answer that lacks clarity or specificity. For example, "Her answer was a vague response that left us more confused." Alternative expressions include "ambiguous reply" and "unclear answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

It was a very vague response that didn't address the question.

The New York Times

On Sunday, an aide to Mr. Assad gave a vague response.

The New York Times

For years, I offered a vague response about realizing it when I started taking writing courses in college.

The New Yorker

The question: "Why the politics now, Pharrell?" elicits a simple, if frustratingly vague response: "If not now, when?

The Guardian - Music

Giving an initial, vague response to a recruiter's inquiry about other job offers may lead you to make more elaborate lies.

Harvard University

"Prosecuting someone for her vague response to a Facebook message is just the junta's latest outrageous twist of the lèse-majesté law".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Appeals to the government are often answered with vague responses.

The Washington Post

On Tuesday, Sanders parried a number of sharp questions from reporters, offering only vague responses.

The Washington Post

Hillary Clinton's detailed answers provided a stark contrast to Trump's brief and vague responses.

The Guardian

Questions about her past in Africa "were met with vague responses".

The New York Times

If you ask targets during their exit interviews why they're leaving, you'll usually get only vague responses.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, avoid using "vague response". Instead, seek to provide specific details or concrete examples to support your statements. If you cannot be fully transparent, acknowledge the limitations instead of providing a "vague response".

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a response was "vague". Elaborate on why it was vague and what specific aspects lacked clarity. Providing context enhances understanding and improves communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague response" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective 'vague' modifies the noun 'response'. It describes the quality of the response as lacking clarity or specificity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where "vague response" describes the nature of an answer or reaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vague response" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an answer lacking clarity or specificity. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's used across various contexts, primarily in news, academic, and professional settings, to critique or describe inadequate communication. While the frequency suggests widespread acceptance, avoiding "vague responses" in your own communication is essential for clarity and effectiveness. Strive for specificity and context to ensure your message is well-received. Furthermore, be aware of when you are receiving them and ask for more details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear answer

Replaces 'vague' with 'unclear', focusing on the lack of clarity in the answer.

equivocal answer

Replaces 'response' with 'answer' and 'vague' with 'equivocal', suggesting ambiguity or uncertainty.

ambiguous reply

Uses 'ambiguous' instead of 'vague' and 'reply' instead of 'response', highlighting the unclear nature of the answer.

imprecise reply

Substitutes 'vague' with 'imprecise', indicating a lack of exactness or detail in the response.

indefinite answer

Uses 'indefinite' to highlight the lack of specific boundaries or clarity in the answer.

evasive answer

Replaces 'vague' with 'evasive', suggesting an attempt to avoid directly addressing the question.

nebulous reply

Employs 'nebulous' instead of 'vague', painting a picture of something hazy and ill-defined.

noncommittal response

Indicates a response that doesn't commit to a specific viewpoint or course of action.

woolly answer

Substitutes 'vague' with 'woolly', suggesting the answer is soft, unclear, and lacks distinctness.

obfuscated response

Implies the response was deliberately made unclear or confusing.

FAQs

What does "vague response" mean?

A "vague response" is an answer or reply that lacks clarity, precision, or detail. It is not specific and may leave the recipient uncertain or confused about the intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "vague response"?

You can use alternatives like "equivocal answer", "ambiguous reply", or "unclear answer" to describe a response that lacks clarity, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I avoid giving a "vague response"?

To avoid giving a "vague response", focus on providing specific details, concrete examples, and clear explanations. Ensure your answer directly addresses the question and leaves no room for ambiguity.

Is it always bad to give a "vague response"?

While clarity is generally preferred, there might be situations where a "vague response" is strategically used to avoid commitment, maintain confidentiality, or navigate sensitive topics. However, it's crucial to consider the context and potential consequences of being unclear.