a point of obfuscation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a point of obfuscation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific moment or aspect where clarity is lost or information is intentionally made confusing. Example: "In the report, there was a point of obfuscation that made it difficult to understand the main argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The man had been trying to tell her about a case he had been working on & she felt that his language had reached a point of obfuscation which called for ruthless action.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was long past the point of obfuscation.

The New Yorker

He carried lucidity to the point of obfuscation, even beyond it to somewhere near dementia.

The Guardian

His few public remarks on the Yukos affair have been oblique to the point of obfuscation.

The New York Times

Its determination to "time and again… avoid answering our written and oral questions to the point of obfuscation".

The Guardian

Sternbergh's writing is sometimes stripped down to the point of obfuscation, but he skillfully blends elements of noir, sci-fi, and speculative fiction, and keeps the action and the dialogue energetic.

The New Yorker

But a degree of obfuscation smoothes the change.

The Economist

He was responding to a point of order from Paul Flynn, who described the weekly session as an "unedifying spectacle of distortion, of evasion and obfuscation".

BBC

Is this a televised ritual of obfuscation or a spectacle of self-denial and self-delusion?

The New York Times

Critics see a pattern of obfuscation.

The New York Times

The original Confederate History proclamation was a miracle of obfuscation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a point of obfuscation" when you want to highlight a specific instance where clarity is lost, often intentionally. It's particularly effective when describing complex arguments or situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a point of obfuscation" when simpler terms like "confusion" or "unclarity" suffice. This phrase is most impactful when describing deliberate or complex instances of obscuring information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a point of obfuscation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific instance or location where something becomes unclear or confusing, often intentionally. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights a moment where understanding is deliberately obscured.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a point of obfuscation" is a relatively formal phrase used to identify a specific instance where clarity is lost or information is intentionally made confusing. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and the examples, while limited, primarily appear in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "a moment of confusion" or "a source of ambiguity" exist, this phrase is most impactful when describing deliberate or complex instances of obscuring information. Therefore, you should consider it when critical analysis is desired in professional and journalistic registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a moment of confusion

Replaces 'obfuscation' with a more general term for confusion, suggesting a brief lapse in understanding.

a source of ambiguity

Focuses on the ambiguity created, rather than the act of obfuscating.

a level of obscurity

Highlights the lack of clarity and difficult to understand.

a stage of bewilderment

Emphasizes the feeling of being perplexed or confused.

an instance of mystification

Focuses on making something mysterious or difficult to understand.

a case of muddying the waters

Uses an idiom to describe making something unclear or confusing.

an act of clouding the issue

Highlights the action of making an issue less clear.

a means of evasion

Shifts the focus to avoiding a direct or clear answer.

a method of prevarication

Focuses on deviating from the truth or being deliberately ambiguous.

a tactic of deception

Emphasizes the intent to mislead or deceive.

FAQs

How can I use "a point of obfuscation" in a sentence?

You can use "a point of obfuscation" to refer to a specific part of a discussion, document, or situation where things become unclear or intentionally confusing. For example, "In the report, there was "a point of obfuscation" that made it difficult to understand the main argument."

What are some alternatives to "a point of obfuscation"?

Some alternatives include "a moment of confusion", "a source of ambiguity", or "a level of obscurity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a point of obfuscation"?

It's appropriate when describing a deliberate attempt to make something unclear or confusing, or when referring to a specific instance where something becomes particularly difficult to understand due to complex or misleading information.

Is "a point of obfuscation" formal or informal language?

The phrase is relatively formal and is best suited for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. Simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal settings.