Meaning & use
vague expressions
Last updated
“vague expressions” is a form of “vague expression”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounplural
Words or phrases that are not exact, so the meaning is unclear or left open.
Grammar: Plural noun phrase; the singular is 'a vague expression'. Use plural verbs: vague expressions are common.
Patterns
- use vague expressions
- vague expressions like 'stuff'
- avoid vague expressions in writing
Vague expressions such as 'and so on' make essays less precise.
Politicians often rely on vague expressions to avoid taking a clear position.
The teacher circled the vague expressions in my paragraph.
Word forms
| singular | vague expression |
|---|
Common combinations
- a list of vague expressions
- The handout gives a list of vague expressions to avoid.
- common vague expressions
- 'A lot of things' and 'somewhere' are common vague expressions.
- full of vague expressions
- His report was full of vague expressions and missing figures.
- use vague expressions deliberately
- Speakers use vague expressions deliberately when they are unsure.
Synonyms and how they differ
- imprecise wording
- Focuses on the exactness of the words; slightly more formal than 'vague expressions'.
- weasel words
- Disapproving; suggests the speaker is hiding something on purpose.
Opposites
Word family
Practice
Choose the sentence that uses 'vague expressions' correctly.
Choose one answer.
'Vague expressions' is plural, so it takes a plural verb and no article. Option 1 uses a singular verb, option 2 uses it as a verb, and option 3 wrongly adds 'a' before a plural form.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “vague expressions”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.