we were unclear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were unclear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a lack of clarity or understanding about a particular situation or topic. Example: "After reviewing the feedback, we realized that we were unclear about the project's objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"They stopped us advertising a few weeks ago and we were unclear why.

The Guardian - Tech

"We were unclear on whether we were all suspects or whether there were specific suspects," Dr. Adamovicz recalled.

The New York Times

When the White House petition hit 100,000 signatures, we were unclear what the next step would be.

TechCrunch

In case we were unclear, Strulovitch, though perhaps overbearing with his daughter, was right.

Huffington Post

"What we were unclear on if it passed in its current form is if the states would have a safety valve to say, hold up, we would like to be able to opt out or have some kind of waiver to have more flexibility, and that's what Senator Burr was chiefly concerned with".

Huffington Post

Before this study, we knew that there should be some sequence features related to the formation of the U-CGIs in their flanking sequences [52], but we were unclear about how far the informative flanking sequences would extend.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

We're unclear.

The New York Times

"We are unclear when he will be fit to resume," said Blues chief executive Richard Holland.

The Guardian - Sport

We are unclear at this juncture as to the programme's capital and revenue costs.

The Guardian - Business

"We're unclear about this," a spokeswoman for the central bank, Chen Xiaoming, said.

The New York Times

One held up a sign saying, "We're Here, We're Unclear, Get Used to It".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were unclear", ensure the context provides insight into what specifically lacked clarity. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we were unclear" without specifying the subject or aspect that was unclear. Always provide context to clarify the point of confusion or uncertainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were unclear" functions as a statement expressing a lack of clarity or understanding. It is typically used to acknowledge confusion or uncertainty about a particular situation, instruction, or piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms this interpretation with real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were unclear" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe a lack of understanding or clarity. While Ludwig AI marks it as correct, being specific about what exactly was unclear enhances its effectiveness. Suitable for both formal and informal settings, alternatives like "we lacked understanding" or "we were uncertain" can be used depending on the specific context. To avoid vagueness, always specify the subject or aspect that was unclear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we didn't understand

A more direct and simple way of expressing a lack of understanding.

we lacked understanding

Focuses on the absence of comprehension rather than the clarity of the information.

we were uncertain

Highlights the lack of certainty rather than the lack of clarity.

we didn't quite grasp

Suggests a partial understanding but not a full comprehension.

we were in the dark

An idiomatic expression emphasizing a complete lack of information.

we misapprehended

Indicates a misunderstanding or incorrect interpretation.

we were uninformed

Highlights the lack of information available to make an informed decision or understanding.

we were unaware

Emphasizes a lack of knowledge or awareness.

we had no clue

An informal way of expressing a complete lack of understanding.

we were oblivious

Suggests unawareness, often implying a lack of attention or notice.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we were unclear" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "we lacked clarity", "we were uncertain", or "our understanding was incomplete" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "we were unclear" and "we were confused"?

"We were unclear" typically implies that the information presented was not easily understandable, while "we were confused" suggests that the information, even if clear, resulted in mental disarray. The former relates to a deficiency in the information itself, the latter to the perceiver's state.

Is it appropriate to use "we were unclear" in a professional setting?

Yes, "we were unclear" is appropriate for professional settings, but ensure you follow it with a specific explanation of what was unclear. For example, "we were unclear about the reporting structure" is more effective than simply saying "we were unclear".

What are some alternatives to "we were unclear" for informal communication?

In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "we didn't get it", "we had no clue", or "we were in the dark" to convey a lack of understanding in a more relaxed manner.