being vague

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   the act of speaking or writing in an unclear way, without giving specific details

   Grammar: Used as a noun phrase. Often appears after verbs like 'avoid', 'stop', or 'criticize': Stop being vague.

   Patterns

   • being vague about something
   • being vague with someone
   • accuse someone of being vague

   The manager criticized him for being vague about the project deadline.

   Being vague in your instructions will confuse everyone.

   She avoided being vague by giving exact figures.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   not expressing a clear opinion or decision on purpose

   Grammar: Often used when someone deliberately avoids commitment: He was being vague about his plans.

   Patterns

   • being vague about plans
   • being deliberately vague

   The politician was being vague about his position on the issue.

   When asked directly, she was being vague and changed the subject.

Common combinations

being vague about

He was being vague about where he had been.

being deliberately vague

She was being deliberately vague to avoid giving a straight answer.

being vague and evasive

His answers were being vague and evasive, which frustrated the committee.

stop being vague

Stop being vague and tell me exactly what happened.

Synonyms and how they differ

unclear

Describes something that is not easy to understand; 'being vague' focuses on the person's speech, while 'unclear' can describe any confusing thing.

ambiguous

Means having more than one possible meaning; 'vague' is about lack of detail, while 'ambiguous' is about lack of clarity due to multiple interpretations.

Opposites

Word family

vague adjective

Not clear or exact.

vaguely adverb

In a way that is not clear or exact.

vagueness noun

The quality of being unclear.

Commonly confused: being vague or vogue?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “being vague”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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