when faced with ambiguity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when faced with ambiguity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing situations that involve uncertainty or unclear information. Example: "When faced with ambiguity, it is important to gather more information before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Competent employees, when faced with ambiguity, will do what they are most comfortable doing in order to feel as if they are contributing something appropriate.

Harvard Business Review

When faced with ambiguity, a resilient leader finds ways to move forward and avoids getting stuck.

Forbes

23 In addition, when faced with ambiguity, people with depressed mood favour negative interpretations of stimuli.

BMJ Open

Conversely, it suggests that when faced with ambiguity, practice in forming positive images of the future may help to alleviate such symptoms.

European Journal of Personality

In the current study, a CBM methodology was deployed to the theoretical prediction that selective processing styles (in this case, when faced with ambiguity, the inability to generate positive interpretations) underpin the disposition to experience clinical symptoms of depression.

European Journal of Personality

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

When faced with heightened ambiguity and a lack of clear-cut answers, we need to know — and as quickly as possible.

The New Yorker

Intentionally cultivating learning agility in students will enable them to adapt and create new value, even when faced with the ambiguity that comes in times of profound transition.

Huffington Post

Using those parts of the brain, subjects often freeze up or make dumb decisions when faced with severe or threatening ambiguity (hence the fear of the second deck).

Forbes

They included providing Board members with improved confidence when faced with any uncertainties and ambiguities identified in performance data.

BMC Health Services Research

> > Most folks have no tolerance for ambiguity, and when faced with it are > extremely uncomfortable.

TechCrunch

Discriminate when faced with an international applicant.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when faced with ambiguity", ensure the subject of the sentence clearly indicates who or what is encountering the uncertain situation. For example, "Leaders, when faced with ambiguity, should prioritize clear communication."

Common error

Avoid using "when faced with ambiguity" in a way that obscures who is experiencing the ambiguity. Instead of "When faced with ambiguity, decisions are difficult", specify who is facing the ambiguity: "Decision-makers, when faced with ambiguity, find decisions difficult."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when faced with ambiguity" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying the main clause of a sentence. It sets the condition or circumstance under which the action in the main clause occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when faced with ambiguity" serves as a versatile tool to introduce scenarios characterized by uncertainty, influencing decisions across diverse fields. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Predominantly found in neutral and professional registers like News & Media and Science, the phrase sets the context for discussions on responses to unclear situations. Alternatives such as "in the face of uncertainty" offer stylistic variations, while practical writing guidance emphasizes the importance of clearly identifying the subject encountering the ambiguity. Its utility extends to anticipating frequently asked questions concerning clarity and situational understanding. In essence, "when faced with ambiguity" provides a structured framework for analyzing how individuals and systems adapt to and navigate uncertain conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the face of uncertainty

Replaces "ambiguity" with "uncertainty" and restructures the sentence.

when confronted with uncertainty

Substitutes "faced" with "confronted" and "ambiguity" with "uncertainty".

in ambiguous situations

Uses a more concise phrasing, focusing on the state of the situation.

under conditions of ambiguity

Emphasizes the environmental conditions leading to uncertainty.

when there is a lack of clarity

Explains "ambiguity" by stating its absence ("lack of clarity").

when the situation is unclear

Simplifies the phrasing to focus on the state of being unclear.

in situations involving vagueness

Replaces "ambiguity" with the synonym "vagueness".

when confronted with open-ended questions

Narrows down the type of ambiguity to open-ended questions.

when dealing with incomplete information

Focuses on the challenge of handling incomplete information.

when navigating uncertain circumstances

Emphasizes the act of navigating through unclear situations.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when faced with ambiguity"?

Alternatives include "in the face of uncertainty", "when confronted with uncertainty", or "in "ambiguous situations"", depending on the specific context.

Is "when faced with ambiguity" formal or informal?

The phrase "when faced with ambiguity" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards a more neutral or professional tone. Simpler alternatives might be preferred in very informal settings.

What does "when faced with ambiguity" mean?

It means encountering a situation where information is unclear, uncertain, or open to multiple interpretations. It implies a moment of decision or action under conditions of uncertainty.

How does one act "when faced with ambiguity"?

Strategies include gathering more information, seeking expert opinions, making educated guesses based on available data, and clearly communicating the uncertainty involved in any decisions.