we are not clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "We are not clear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are unsure or unable to understand something. For example: "We are not clear on the details of the project yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"We are not clear about the details of its I.P.O.

The New York Times

We are not clear where in the spectrum it would fall".

The Guardian

"We are coming out of a financial and economic hurricane, but we are not clear of it yet," he said.

The Guardian

But we are not clear enough on how best to encourage it to work in the interest of the poorest people.

The Guardian

However, we are not clear combination of which band is the most effective in research of the arid region like the Taklamakan desert in the data of 14 bands of ASTER.

Advances in Space Research

"We are not clear what crisis Mwalimu [Teacher] Nyerere thinks is in need of resolution," was the response of Zanzibar's deputy chief minister, Omar Mapuri, to the comments of his party's éminence grise.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

We aren't clear about how it will be phased out".

The Guardian

It also crops up when we aren't clear about why we're spending money in the first place.

The New York Times

When we aren't clear and specific about our expectations, upfront, we get what we get, and we don't get upset.

The New York Times

How can we have unity when we aren't clear what story we are telling?

Huffington Post

Perhaps we were not clear about what that means.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are not clear", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specifically lacks clarity. Providing additional context helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we are not clear" without specifying what is unclear. Vague statements can leave the audience confused and unsure of what requires clarification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are not clear" functions as a statement of uncertainty or lack of comprehension. It indicates that the speaker or group is unable to fully understand something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are not clear" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lack of understanding or certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It appears frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When using the phrase, it's best to specify what exactly lacks clarity to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "we lack clarity" or "we don't understand" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Always provide context to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we lack clarity

Replaces the negative form "not clear" with a positive statement about lacking clarity.

we are uncertain

Substitutes "not clear" with the adjective "uncertain", emphasizing doubt.

we are unsure

Uses "unsure" as an alternative to "not clear", highlighting a lack of confidence.

we don't understand

Replaces the more formal "not clear" with the direct verb phrase "don't understand".

we haven't grasped

Uses "grasped" instead of "clear" to indicate a lack of comprehension, implying a mental effort.

our understanding is incomplete

Replaces the concise "not clear" with a longer, more formal statement about incomplete understanding.

we have no idea

Substitutes "not clear" with the idiomatic expression "have no idea", conveying complete lack of knowledge.

the situation is ambiguous to us

Uses "ambiguous" to describe the situation rather than the speaker's clarity, shifting the focus.

we are in the dark

Employs the idiom "in the dark" to express a lack of information, creating a stronger sense of uncertainty.

we find it perplexing

Replaces "not clear" with "perplexing", emphasizing the confusing nature of the subject.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we are not clear" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "we lack clarity" or "our understanding is incomplete".

What's a more direct way to say "we are not clear"?

A more direct alternative is "we don't understand", which is suitable for less formal situations.

Is it always necessary to specify what "we are not clear" about?

Yes, specifying the subject of your lack of clarity is crucial for effective communication. Otherwise, the statement remains vague and unhelpful.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "we are in the dark" instead of "we are not clear"?

Use "we are in the dark" when you want to emphasize a complete lack of information or awareness about something, rather than a simple lack of understanding.