was vague about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was vague about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who did not provide clear or specific information on a topic. Example: "During the meeting, she was vague about her plans for the project, leaving the team confused about the next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was vague about them, too.

The New York Times - Sports

She was vague about the circumstances.

The New York Times - Books

Mesbahi, too, was vague about Iran's motivations.

The New Yorker

But it was vague about the detail.

The Guardian - Opinion

John Whitbeck was vague about his reasons.

The Washington Post

He was vague about his return to golf.

The New York Times - Sports

But he was vague about the uranium's enrichment level.

The Washington Post

Johnson was vague about who else might coach the team.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Kudrin's statement was vague about the details.

The New York Times

He was vague about the reasons, citing "a thing" with "some guy".

The New York Times - Magazine

He had never talked about his background, and was vague about how he made his living.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was vague about", consider the context and whether a more precise term like "evasive" or "ambiguous" might better convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid stacking vague statements. If someone "was vague about" several key details, consider rephrasing to directly address the core issue, such as "failed to provide key information."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was vague about" functions as a descriptive expression, characterizing the manner in which someone communicated or provided information. It indicates a lack of specificity or clarity in their statements, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was vague about" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's lack of clarity or specificity in their communication. As Ludwig shows, it's frequently used in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral, it's important to consider whether a more precise term might better suit the intended meaning. When writing, aim for clarity and avoid unnecessary vagueness, especially when conveying critical information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was ambiguous regarding

Indicates uncertainty or open to multiple interpretations, slightly more formal.

was unspecific concerning

Highlights the absence of precise details, emphasizing a lack of particularity.

was evasive regarding

Suggests an intentional avoidance of directness, hinting at a reluctance to disclose information fully.

was circumspect about

Implies caution and reluctance to be fully revealing, often due to potential risks or sensitivities.

was hazy concerning

Conveys a lack of clarity and precision, painting a picture of uncertainty and indistinctness.

was obscure about

Indicates a lack of transparency, implying that the information was not easily accessible or understandable.

was indefinite regarding

Highlights the lack of clear boundaries or limitations, suggesting that the matter was not precisely defined.

was imprecise regarding

Emphasizes a lack of accuracy and exactness, indicating that the details were not finely tuned.

lacked clarity on

Focuses on the absence of clear and unambiguous communication, suggesting that the message was not easily understood.

didn't elaborate on

Implies a lack of further explanation or detailing, suggesting that the information was not fully developed.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "was vague about" something?

It means they didn't provide clear or specific information. They might have intentionally avoided details or simply lacked clarity.

What can I say instead of "was vague about"?

You can use alternatives like "was unclear about", "was evasive about", or "was ambiguous regarding" depending on the context.

Is it better to be vague or precise in communication?

Precision is generally preferred to ensure clear understanding. Vagueness can lead to misinterpretations and confusion, especially in formal or professional settings.

How can I avoid being "vague about" important details?

Prepare thoroughly, anticipate potential questions, and ensure you have the necessary information to provide clear and specific answers.