vague statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vague statement" is correct and widely used in written English.
It refers to a statement or claim that is not clear, specific, or well-defined. Example: The politician's speech was full of vague statements that left the audience confused about his stance on important issues.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Microsoft declined to comment beyond the vague statement.

The New York Times

The admission came in a vague statement from the State Council, China's cabinet.

The New York Times

However, it also offers the vague statement that "other reasons for forfeiture can also be considered".

The Guardian - Business

Darling sent us a lengthy and vague statement that didn't begin to answer the question.

The Washington Post

The planned wall of 1,000 miles began with a single — and vague — statement.

The New York Times

Much of his studiously vague statement was greeted with laughter by MPs.

The Guardian - Money

Of the 43 municipalities, 19 failed even to respond with a vague statement of good intentions.

The New York Times

But in typical Microsoft fashion, they've put out a vague statement about what it means.

The Guardian - Tech

But we feel compelled to flesh out Mr. Viguerie's vague statement about reinvesting savings in "more effective options".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

$200,000 to study why political candidates make vague statements.

University of California, Berkeley

These members haven't commented or have given vague statements.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, avoid using "vague statement". Instead, strive for clarity by providing specific details and concrete examples to support your claims.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid relying on "vague statements" as they can weaken your argument. Always substantiate your points with evidence to ensure your message is clear and persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vague statement" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a statement characterized by a lack of clarity or precision. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vague statement" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to describe a statement lacking clarity or precision, frequently employed in contexts such as news reporting, scientific discussions, and formal communications. The consistent usage across reputable sources and its clear negative connotation when evaluating a statement underscores its effectiveness in conveying a lack of specificity or evasiveness. To enhance clarity in your own writing, replace "vague statement" with more descriptive alternatives or provide specific details to support your points.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambiguous declaration

Replaces "statement" with "declaration", emphasizing the formal aspect of the unclear message.

unclear assertion

Uses "assertion" instead of "statement" focusing on the act of stating something without clarity.

imprecise remark

Substitutes "statement" with "remark", indicating a less formal, inexact expression.

nebulous comment

Replaces "statement" with "comment", suggesting a casual and unclear expression of thought.

evasive explanation

Emphasizes the intent to avoid clarity or directness in the explanation.

obfuscated pronouncement

Highlights that the pronouncement is intentionally made obscure or unclear.

generic description

Focuses on the lack of specificity, characterizing it as a general description.

non-specific account

Indicates that the account provided lacks particular details or specifications.

woolly pronouncement

The word woolly refers to something confused and lacking clarity.

equivocal remark

Suggests the remark is open to more than one interpretation; deliberately ambiguous.

FAQs

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

You can use "vague statement" to describe a claim or declaration that lacks clarity or specificity. For example, "The politician's response was a "vague statement" that didn't address the concerns of the public."

What are some alternatives to "vague statement"?

You can use alternatives like "ambiguous declaration", "unclear assertion", or "imprecise remark" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use a "vague statement"?

While clarity is generally preferred, a "vague statement" might be strategically used when you want to avoid committing to a specific position or when the details are not yet fully known.

What's the difference between "vague statement" and "misleading statement"?

A "vague statement" lacks clarity, while a "misleading statement" is designed to deceive or give a false impression, even if it appears clear on the surface.