was not clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not clear" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when making a comparison or statement that suggests something was not understandable or obvious. For example: "The instructions for the project were not clear, so it was difficult to know where to start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What was not clear was why.

The New York Times - Science

Its possible composition was not clear.

The New York Times

What caused the crash was not clear.

The New York Times

It was not clear where he went.

The New York Times

— but her net worth was not clear.

The New York Times

Still, it was not clear enough.

The New Yorker

The answer, alas, was not clear.

The Economist

What occurred next was not clear.

The New York Times

It was not clear what she meant.

The New York Times

The cartridge's provenance was not clear.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The type of certificate was not clear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was not clear", ensure the sentence structure clearly indicates what lacked clarity. For example, specify whether it was a concept, instruction, or outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "was not clear" without a clear antecedent. The reader should immediately understand what 'it' refers to. If the antecedent is not obvious, rewrite the sentence to include the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not clear" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state of lacking clarity or understanding. As Ludwig AI explains, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly used. It describes a condition where something is not easily understood or defined. For example, "It was not clear what she meant" or "The reason for the change was not clear."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was not clear" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lack of understanding or certainty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general communication. It functions as a predicate adjective, highlighting ambiguity or the need for further explanation. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes clear what lacks clarity to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "was uncertain" or "remained unresolved" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was uncertain

Focuses on the lack of sureness or definiteness.

was ambiguous

Highlights the presence of multiple possible meanings.

remained unresolved

Emphasizes that the issue or question is still not settled.

was undefined

Stresses the absence of a specific or clear definition.

was vague

Indicates a lack of precision or detail.

was obscure

Suggests that something is hidden or not easily discovered.

was unintelligible

Focuses on the inability to understand something.

was incomprehensible

Highlights the difficulty or impossibility of understanding.

was beyond understanding

Emphasizes that something is too difficult to grasp.

was shrouded in mystery

Suggests something is concealed or unexplained.

FAQs

How can I use "was not clear" in a sentence?

You can use "was not clear" to indicate a lack of understanding or certainty about something. For instance, "The purpose of the meeting was not clear". or "The instructions "were not clear"".

What are some alternatives to "was not clear"?

Alternatives include phrases like "was uncertain", "was ambiguous", or "remained unresolved", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was not clear" or "was unclear"?

Both "was not clear" and "was unclear" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the rhythm of the sentence.

What's the difference between "was not clear" and "was not obvious"?

"Was not clear" suggests a lack of understanding or precision, while "was not obvious" implies that something was not easily noticeable or apparent. The difference lies in whether the focus is on comprehension or visibility. You might say, "The solution "was not obvious" at first", but "The meaning "was not clear"".