become obscure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become obscure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which something becomes hard to understand or comprehend, usually due to a lack of knowledge or understanding. For example, "As the lecture continued, the professor's explanations began to become obscure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Only Isadora, animator of all these forces, has become obscure.

The New Yorker

It may be that it was so taboo that its meaning has become obscure, or open to reinterpretation.

The New Yorker

Today, although many of the names featured in Photoplay have become obscure, we can recognise the origins of our 24-hour celebrity culture in its pages.

The Guardian - Film

Christie's, the auction house, celebrates its two-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary this year, and over time the origins of certain company traditions have become obscure.

The New Yorker

Mr. Brubeck, thanks to that song and "Time Out," the album that contained it, has never become obscure enough to need rediscovering.

The New York Times - Arts

But Ms. Sontag remains surprised by such a reaction, given that her novel brought fresh attention to a historical figure who had become obscure.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Its surface had become obscured by a thick, flaking pane of yellowing varnish.

The Economist

While we see the creation, we rarely see the original; and the original can become obscured by the creation.

Independent

When the two teams come together at Ibrox amid this crush of rancour, it will be to contest a game that will have a significant bearing on the title race, even if the game has become obscured by the dramas of this season.

Independent

"I made this trip because I was deeply concerned that the humanitarian crisis caused by the drought had become obscured by the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea," Ms. Bellamy said.

Unicef

Bit by bit, like mist obscuring a familiar landscape, communication becomes obscure and incomplete.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become obscure", ensure the subject and context clearly indicate what is losing clarity or prominence. For example, specify whether it's a concept, a person, or a piece of information.

Common error

Avoid using "become obscure" in contexts where the reason for the obscurity is not apparent. Providing context helps clarify why something has lost its clarity or prominence, making your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become obscure" functions as a verb phrase, where "become" is a linking verb and "obscure" is an adjective describing the state of the subject. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become obscure" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, according to Ludwig AI, used to describe something losing clarity, prominence, or understanding. While it appears more frequently in contexts such as News & Media and Science, its neutral register allows for use in various writing styles. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases, such as "become vague" or "fade into obscurity", can offer alternative nuances. By considering its function and purpose, writers can effectively incorporate "become obscure" to convey the fading or loss of something previously known or understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fade into obscurity

Adds the verb "fade", suggesting a gradual loss of prominence or recognition.

become vague

Changes the adjective to "vague", focusing on a lack of clarity or definition.

become uncertain

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

become shadowy

Uses "shadowy" instead of "obscure", implying a hidden or less distinct quality.

fall into disuse

Conveys that something is no longer being used or practiced, leading to its decline in familiarity.

become unintelligible

Substitutes "obscure" with "unintelligible", emphasizing the inability to understand.

become dark

Replaces "obscure" with "dark", suggesting a lack of clarity or visibility.

become arcane

Changes "obscure" to "arcane", pointing to specialized knowledge that is difficult to access.

become opaque

Uses "opaque" instead of "obscure", indicating that something is difficult to see through, either literally or figuratively.

become confused

Replaces "obscure" with "confused", focusing on a state of mental disarray or lack of understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "become obscure" in a sentence?

You can use "become obscure" to describe something that loses clarity, importance, or is forgotten over time. For instance, "The details of the historical event "became obscure" after many years."

What are some alternatives to "become obscure"?

Alternatives include phrases like "become vague", "fade into obscurity", or "fall into disuse", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "become obscure" or "became obscured"?

"Become obscure" describes the process of losing clarity or prominence, while "became obscured" describes something that has been made unclear or hidden by an external factor. The choice depends on whether the obscurity is self-imposed or externally caused.

When is it appropriate to use "become obscure" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "become obscure" when discussing topics related to history, memory, or knowledge, where concepts, facts, or people might fade from understanding or recognition over time. For example, "Ancient traditions often "become obscure" as societies evolve."