How to use "not entirely clear"

What Does "not entirely clear" Mean?

• It expresses a degree of uncertainty or ambiguity; something is understood partially, but not fully.
• It typically modifies a verb, adjective, or an entire clause, qualifying the certainty of a statement.
• Register: neutral to slightly formal

How to Use It

• Typical sentence positions: usually mid-sentence, placed before the adjective it modifies. It can also appear at the end of the sentence, but this is less common. Initial position is rare.
• It modifies the clarity or certainty of a statement. It softens the impact of saying something is unclear by indicating that some aspects are understood.
• Grammatical flexibility: It is typically used with a form of the verb "to be" and an adjective. It can be used with negation (though it already contains "not"). It's less common in direct questions, but possible in rhetorical questions.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Placing it at the very beginning of a sentence is stylistically awkward. Overusing it can make your writing sound hesitant.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from not entirely clear on Ludwig.guru.

"It's not entirely clear." — The Guardian

"The details are not entirely clear." — The New Yorker

"The reason is not entirely clear." — The New York Times - Health

"It's not entirely clear how that happens." — Harvard University

"It's still not entirely clear what happened." — The New York Times

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/not+entirely+clear

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
somewhat clear	Indicates a slight degree of clarity.
partially clear	Highlights that only some aspects are understood.
not completely clear	Very close in meaning, but can sometimes imply a stronger degree of ambiguity.
open to interpretation	Suggests that multiple valid understandings are possible.
subject to debate	Implies that there are differing opinions or evidence.
murky	More informal and suggests a lack of clarity.
vague	Suggests a lack of specific details.

Common Mistakes

• Placing "not entirely clear" at the beginning of a sentence can sound unnatural. It's better to place it mid-sentence, before the adjective it modifies.
• Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound hesitant and uncertain. Use it sparingly to emphasize specific points of ambiguity.
• Learners sometimes confuse "entirely" with similar adverbs like "completely" or "totally" and use them interchangeably without considering subtle differences in meaning or register. While similar, "entirely" implies a slightly more nuanced or qualified uncertainty than "completely" or "totally."

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
not entirely clear	Indicates partial uncertainty or ambiguity	Neutral to slightly formal	Mid-sentence, before the adjective

FAQs

Where does "not entirely clear" typically appear in a sentence?

It usually appears in the middle of the sentence, before the adjective it modifies. For example, "The situation is not entirely clear." While grammatically possible, starting a sentence with "Not entirely clear..." is generally stylistically awkward.

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How does "not entirely clear" differ from saying something is "not completely clear"?

While very similar, "not entirely clear" often implies a slightly higher degree of understanding than "not completely clear." Saying something is "not completely clear" can suggest a stronger level of ambiguity, whereas "not entirely clear" acknowledges some level of understanding, even if incomplete.

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How do I avoid misusing "not entirely clear" with similar adverbs?

Be mindful of the subtle differences in meaning and register. While "entirely," "completely," and "totally" can sometimes be interchangeable, "entirely" often carries a slightly more nuanced tone, suggesting a partial understanding rather than a complete lack of clarity. Consider the specific context and the degree of uncertainty you wish to convey when choosing between these adverbs.