blurred out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blurred out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something has been intentionally obscured, for example: "The face of the suspect in the video evidence had been blurred out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

So there's your imagination, blurred out to be an imagination.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Here's my interaction with Rogers (with private bits blurred out).

Harvard Business Review

The call letters on the microphone are blurred out on Internet sites showing the video.

The New York Times

Choose a similarly random address in Germany, however, and there are as many houses blurred out as left on show.

The Guardian - Opinion

John is elderly and a bit blurred out – he clearly hasn't given permission for his face to be shown.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was pictures of Premier League players that were blurred out and you had to guess who they were.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

So a long lens was used to blur out the expensive fixtures.

The New York Times

This tool is popular for image display since it brings out extended source structure without blurring out point sources.

Harvard University

(Mainly changing the focus point or blurring out a photo-bomber).

The Guardian - Tech

It might blur out the edges of the shadow anyway (because of refraction of light from the Sun).

Cornell University

The technique, called image defocus, involves blurring out objects in the distance while keeping closer ones sharp.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a visual effect in photography or digital art, use "blurred out" to convey a deliberate softening or defocusing of certain elements.

Common error

While "blurred out" is widely understood, avoid it in highly formal writing where more precise terms like "obscured" or "redacted" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blurred out" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, where "blurred" acts as a past participle modifying an object. According to Ludwig, it indicates that something has been intentionally obscured.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "blurred out" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for indicating that something has been intentionally obscured or made less distinct. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, including news, academia, and general communication. While its register is generally neutral, formal writing might benefit from more precise alternatives. Common usage involves obscuring faces in videos, redacting sensitive information, or creating a specific visual effect. Understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts ensures clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obscured

Simple past tense of obscure, directly indicating something is not clear or easily seen.

made indistinct

Focuses on the action of making something unclear or lacking definition.

defocused

Indicates a lack of sharpness or clarity, often in a photographic context.

fuzzed out

Emphasizes a soft, unclear appearance, similar to a visual blur.

softened

Implies a reduction in harshness or clarity, creating a gentler appearance.

pixelated

Specific to digital images where the resolution is so low that individual pixels are visible, obscuring the image.

obfuscated

Suggests making something unclear or unintelligible, often intentionally.

censored

Implies deliberate removal of content, often for legal or ethical reasons.

covered up

Highlights the act of concealing something from view.

masked

Suggests the use of a covering to hide or protect something.

FAQs

How is "blurred out" used in a sentence?

The phrase "blurred out" is used to describe something that has been intentionally made unclear or less distinct. For example, "The faces in the security footage were "blurred out" to protect their identities."

What are some alternatives to saying "blurred out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "obscured", "made indistinct", or "censored". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "blur out" instead of "blurred out"?

"Blur out" is the infinitive form of the verb, while "blurred out" is the past participle. Use "blur out" in present or future tense constructions and "blurred out" when describing something that has already been obscured.

What's the difference between "blurred out" and "pixelated"?

"Blurred out" generally refers to a softening of an image or object, making it less clear. "Pixelated" refers specifically to a digital image where individual pixels become visible due to low resolution, which is a distinct type of visual distortion.