are mostly obscure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are mostly obscure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is generally unclear or not well-known. Example: "The details of the ancient manuscript are mostly obscure, leaving historians to speculate about its origins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

What remains are mostly obscure older songs, bootlegs, small indie recordings and world music.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Details of the action are mostly obscure, but the soliloquy survives where Hamlet muses on whether it is better to be dead or undead: 'To not to be, or to not to not to be'," writes the novelist.

The Guardian - Books

Some eyebrows have been raised about the exchange's slow and weak enforcement activities against some companies whose shares were cornered by a few investors, but these are mostly obscure corporations, not the big blue chips that are popular with international investors.

Forbes

The first forty years of his life are mostly obscure.

Wikipedia

The comics have a loyal following in Europe but are mostly obscure to U.S. audiences.

Los Angeles Times

Although its causes are mostly obscure, it is apparent that very low birth weight (VLBW), generally defined as <1500 g, is a potent risk factor (Tanimura et al, 1998; Reynolds et al, 2004; Ansell et al, 2005; McLaughlin et al, 2006).

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Ms. Collins's vivid production certainly gives it an outing, but despite the energy that the performers bring to their roles and the cleverness of some of Ms. Canning's sets, the score feels subservient to the onstage antics and thin story, and the music's dissonant textures are mostly obscured by the cheery brightness of the presentation.

The New York Times - Arts

In act two the walls are mostly obscured by an imposing tank perched atop a deep trench that's book-ended by the Christ and Christ-like figures.

Huffington Post

Until the publication this week of the Panama Papers, it was mostly obscure.

The Guardian

The press was still interested, though there were mostly obscure and independent outfits that towed cameras out to Amboy on the big day.

The Washington Post

Until the publication of the Panama Papers, it had been mostly obscure despite sitting at the heart of the global offshore industry and acting for about 300,000 companies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are mostly obscure", ensure the context provides enough information to understand why the subject is not well-known. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are mostly obscure" when something is only slightly unknown or simply complex. Reserve it for situations where the lack of knowledge is significant and impacts understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are mostly obscure" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate that the described subject is largely unknown or unclear. Ludwig confirms the phrase's validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are mostly obscure" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase to describe something that is largely unknown or unclear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in various contexts, particularly in news, science and wiki. When using this phrase, it's important to provide enough context to explain the obscurity. Alternatives include "are largely unknown" or "are primarily vague", depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Ensure its usage aligns with the level of uncertainty you want to express to avoid overstatement. While the register is mostly neutral, its formality is appropriate for professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are largely unknown

Emphasizes the lack of knowledge surrounding the subject.

are primarily vague

Highlights the lack of clarity and precision.

are predominantly unclear

Focuses on the absence of a clear understanding.

are mainly undefined

Stresses the lack of specific definition.

are substantially nebulous

Implies a cloudy and indistinct nature.

are commonly overlooked

Suggests that the subject is frequently missed or ignored.

are generally unrecognized

Indicates a lack of acknowledgment or awareness.

are frequently misinterpreted

Highlights common misunderstandings or misrepresentations.

are relatively cryptic

Emphasizes the hidden or puzzling nature.

are scarcely understood

Highlights the limited comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "are mostly obscure" in a sentence?

Use "are mostly obscure" to describe details, facts, or concepts that are not well-known or understood. For instance, "The origins of the ritual "are mostly obscure", leaving historians to speculate".

What phrases are similar to "are mostly obscure"?

Alternatives include "are largely unknown", "are primarily vague", or "are generally unrecognized", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "are mostly obscure" formal or informal?

"Are mostly obscure" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts. In very informal settings, you might choose simpler alternatives like "aren't well-known".

What's the difference between "are mostly obscure" and "are completely obscure"?

"Are mostly obscure" implies that some aspects may be known, while "are completely obscure" suggests that nothing is known or understood. The degree of unknown is stronger with "are completely obscure".