as obscure as the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as obscure as the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the obscurity of one thing to another, often in a metaphorical or illustrative context. Example: "The meaning of the ancient text was as obscure as the riddles of the Sphinx."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But the message was as obscure as the silver or gilded shoes were bright and shiny.

The New York Times

The agencies with authority from Congress to issue the subpoenas, the report said, were as obscure as the Appalachian Regional Commission, which promotes economic development in Appalachia.

Independent

Quite what the British authorities have gained in return remains as obscure as the secrets the authorities are seeking to protect.

The New York Times

The source of the terrorists' financial support is as obscure as the origin of their social outrage, since poverty and oppression are seen only in the abstract.

The New York Times

26]: Justice James Hudson's defense of his writing style is as obscure as the Latin phrases he employs in his opinions.

The New York Times

The plot is as obscure as the ending is transparent: a parade of models in the ultimate fashion show, in which nobody wears anything at all.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But as obscure as that game has become in the immense shadow cast by Larsen's perfection, word of it was circulating through the Cincinnati clubhouse on Thursday as players sought to unearth something positive from history's vault as they prepared for Game 2 of their division series with Philadelphia on Friday.

The New York Times - Sports

"One only wishes that she & her correspondence had remained as obscure as her friends!" The Joneses hired Bahlmann, who was the American-born child of German immigrants, after returning from their European sojourn.

The New Yorker

The bulk of the Sacklers' fortune has been accumulated only in recent decades, yet the source of their wealth is to most people as obscure as that of the robber barons.

The New Yorker

The now-disqualified "Alone Yet Not Alone" was as obscure as they come, but the remaining four nominees comprise pop wunderkinds and a Disney smash.

Huffington Post

The island is as obscure as its namesake — and obscurity is a magnet for the Frugal Traveler.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as obscure as the", ensure that the comparison is easily understood by your audience. The reference point should be something generally recognized as obscure.

Common error

Avoid using "as obscure as the" repeatedly within a short passage. This can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as obscure as the" functions as a comparative, specifically drawing a parallel between the level of obscurity of one subject and another. It's used to emphasize how difficult something is to understand or how little it is known. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as obscure as the" serves as a comparative tool to emphasize the lack of clarity or the unknown nature of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its prevalence in news and media highlights its utility in conveying degrees of uncertainty. When employing this phrase, ensure a readily understandable point of comparison and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and engagement. Substitute, if needed, the most suited synonym. With all that, be confident to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as murky as the

Replaces "obscure" with "murky", suggesting a lack of clarity or transparency.

as vague as the

Substitutes "obscure" with "vague", emphasizing a lack of precision or detail.

as confusing as the

Replaces "obscure" with "confusing", highlighting the difficulty in understanding something.

as unintelligible as the

Substitutes "obscure" with "unintelligible", stressing the inability to comprehend.

as opaque as the

Replaces "obscure" with "opaque", indicating a lack of transparency or lucidity.

as shady as the

Substitutes "obscure" with "shady", implying a sense of hidden or questionable nature.

as uncertain as the

Replaces "obscure" with "uncertain", highlighting a lack of sureness or clarity.

as dark as the

Substitutes "obscure" with "dark", evoking a sense of hidden or unknown aspects.

as mysterious as the

Replaces "obscure" with "mysterious", suggesting an element of intrigue or enigma.

as shadowy as the

Substitutes "obscure" with "shadowy", conveying a sense of being indistinct or hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "as obscure as the" in a sentence?

You can use "as obscure as the" to compare something's lack of clarity to something else equally unclear. For instance, "The details of the agreement were "as obscure as the" origins of the universe".

What are some alternatives to "as obscure as the"?

Some alternatives include "as vague as the", "as murky as the", or "as unclear as the", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as obscure as the" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "as obscure as the" might be considered informal in highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "as unintelligible as the" or "as opaque as the" for a more formal tone.

What does "as obscure as the" imply?

The phrase "as obscure as the" implies that something is not easily understood or known. The level of difficulty in understanding is comparable to the reference point used in the phrase.