woolly wording

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "woolly wording" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe language that is vague, unclear, or imprecise. Example: "The report was filled with woolly wording that made it difficult to understand the main points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The oversight board remains without a chairman, as does the SEC.The act has also been widely criticised for its woolly wording.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A thousand knitters have crafted the individual letters that are currently being linked together into 40ft of woolly words.

The Guardian

So, she's made it her mission to spread the woolly word, bringing Nordic knitwear brands to the United States and selling their bodysuits, leggings, hats and more on her Web site, ellaswool.com.

The New York Times

"The long books I talk about will be made up of fragments, stumps, single words, woolly strands, fuzzy tableaux, and the crucial impression.

The New Yorker

For any politician or intellectual of ambition, the L-word was woolly-headed, dangerous and naive: an interest to be indulged only in secret, and out of the way of the police.Yet one liberal stayed defiantly in the public view.

The Economist

We reject the wide, woolly notion of fairness in favour of sharper, narrower words that mean what they say, like just or cruel.

The Economist

Tara Heibel from Sprout Home, for example, offers a few helpful words of advice, like using a Wally from Woolly Pocket for beginners.

Huffington Post

She has also written six biographies and 14 novels which used to be called "poetic" – a word poets hate because they suspect it of meaning "woolly", but hers have been poetic in the sense of spare, wry, precise or tough.

The Guardian - Books

While the word "bisexual" is, as John puts it, "a bit woolly", "queer" encompasses a broad spectrum of desires, and is inclusive of those people who might reject the gender binary, too.

The Guardian

In a nation where the basic arguments are always in black and white, and the grey area, too complicated and woolly, is to be avoided, knee-jerk reactions to something as simple as a single, unqualified word are commonplace.

The Guardian

Nothing woolly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "woolly wording", ensure that you are doing so intentionally to create ambiguity or uncertainty. If clarity is your goal, revise the language to be more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "woolly wording" when conveying critical information. Over-reliance on vague language can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Be direct and specific when clarity is essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "woolly wording" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "woolly" modifies the noun "wording". It describes the quality of the wording being vague or unclear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's about language that is imprecise.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "woolly wording" is a phrase used to describe language that is vague, unclear, or imprecise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it serves to critique or describe language lacking clarity. While grammatically sound, its usage should be deliberate, as relying on "woolly wording" can hinder clear communication. Alternatives include "vague language" and "ambiguous phrasing". When using "woolly wording", ensure the context warrants the potential for misinterpretation, and always prioritize clarity when conveying essential information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vague language

Replaces "woolly" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the lack of clarity.

ambiguous phrasing

Emphasizes the possibility of multiple interpretations.

unclear language

Highlights the difficulty in understanding the intended meaning.

imprecise language

Focuses on the lack of exactness or specificity.

nebulous language

Suggests a lack of distinct form or shape in the wording.

fuzzy language

Similar to "woolly", implying a lack of sharpness or definition.

indistinct wording

Emphasizes the lack of clarity in the way words are chosen and combined.

murky language

Suggests that the language is obscure or difficult to see through.

equivocal phrasing

Highlights that wording is open to several interpretations often intended to conceal the truth.

obscure language

Focuses on the language being difficult to perceive, understand or express.

FAQs

How can I use "woolly wording" effectively?

Use "woolly wording" sparingly and deliberately. It can be useful when you want to avoid being overly specific or when you need to address a sensitive topic indirectly. However, always prioritize clarity when conveying essential information.

What are some situations where I might use "woolly wording"?

You might use "woolly wording" when negotiating a contract, discussing a delicate matter with a colleague, or responding to a question you can't directly answer. However, be aware of the potential for misinterpretation.

What can I say instead of "woolly wording"?

You can use alternatives like "vague language", "ambiguous phrasing", or "unclear language" depending on the context.

How do I avoid "woolly wording" in my writing?

To avoid "woolly wording", focus on using concrete nouns, active verbs, and precise modifiers. Review your writing and replace any vague or ambiguous terms with more specific alternatives. Consider also asking a peer or editor to review your writing for clarity.