creating obscurity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "creating obscurity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or processes that lead to confusion or lack of clarity in communication or understanding. Example: "The complex jargon used in the report is creating obscurity, making it difficult for the audience to grasp the main points."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some critics maintain, as Raine has noted, that "whereas in the early work excision creates intensity, in the later stories it merely creates obscurity".

The Guardian - Books

Psychologically, Brandt skulked in the shadows, which may be why, reprinting his early photographs in later decades, he insisted on blackening their areas of darkness, creating inky obscurity.

The Guardian - Books

In a field of tall grass and bramble the existence of the well-trodden path creates further obscurity for all other choice.

HuffPost

After a lifetime of obscurity creating vehicles for other companies, the bespectacled engineer is betting that the rise of electric cars will propel his company — and his country — into the automotive spotlight.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, readers annotate the site, explaining obscurities, raising questions, creating a new cyberedition of the diary.

The New York Times - Books

Over the years, O'Sullivan's role in creating the phrase was forgotten, and he died in obscurity some 50 years after having first used the term "manifest destiny".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Early on, he played nearly all the instruments on his albums himself (creating the drum and percussion sounds with his mouth), toiling in relative obscurity.

The New Yorker

More than three years after releasing his debut mixtape, Pablo Dylan is again trying to break out of obscurity and create what he calls a "cultural movement".

The Guardian - Music

In designing the Ramble, Olmsted said he had arranged the paths and bridges, outcrops and thickets to "create a degree of obscurity not absolutely impenetrable, but sufficient to affect the imagination with a sense of mystery".

The New York Times

But unknown to them, a small team was working in obscurity to create an 18-button mouse… with an analog stick for your thumb, to boot.

TechCrunch

From virtual obscurity McCain created a monster, the Queen of Crazy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "creating obscurity", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is causing the lack of clarity, as the phrase itself is relatively general.

Common error

Avoid using "creating obscurity" excessively in formal writing where direct and clear language is preferred. Opt for more precise alternatives like "generating confusion" or "fostering ambiguity" to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "creating obscurity" functions as a verb phrase, where "creating" is a gerund-participle verb and "obscurity" is its direct object. The phrase describes an action that results in something becoming unclear or difficult to understand. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

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Wiki

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Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "creating obscurity" is grammatically sound but rare in usage, as indicated by Ludwig's analysis. It describes the action of making something unclear or difficult to understand. While grammatically correct and understandable, it is important to consider context and audience when using this phrase, as more direct alternatives may be preferable in formal settings. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for news and general discussions, though more precise alternatives might be favored in highly technical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making unclear

This alternative is a simpler and more direct way of expressing the same idea.

generating confusion

This alternative replaces 'obscurity' with 'confusion', emphasizing the state of being bewildered or unclear.

fostering ambiguity

This alternative replaces 'obscurity' with 'ambiguity', highlighting the quality of being open to more than one interpretation.

obfuscating the issue

This alternative uses the verb 'obfuscate' to emphasize the act of making something obscure or unclear.

producing vagueness

This alternative focuses on the lack of clear detail or definition.

clouding understanding

This alternative uses a metaphor to suggest that understanding is being obscured or made difficult.

inducing incomprehension

This alternative emphasizes the act of causing a lack of understanding.

promoting opacity

This alternative, using 'opacity', suggests a lack of transparency or understandability.

complicating matters

This alternative focuses on making something more complex and difficult to understand.

muddying the waters

This idiomatic expression suggests that something is being made more confusing or complicated.

FAQs

What does "creating obscurity" mean?

The phrase "creating obscurity" refers to the act of making something unclear, confusing, or difficult to understand. It suggests an action that leads to a lack of clarity or transparency.

How can I use "creating obscurity" in a sentence?

You can use "creating obscurity" to describe actions, processes, or language that result in confusion or a lack of understanding. For example: "The complex jargon used in the report is creating obscurity, making it difficult for the audience to grasp the main points."

What are some alternatives to "creating obscurity"?

Alternatives to "creating obscurity" include "generating confusion", "fostering ambiguity", "producing vagueness", or "making unclear". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "creating obscurity" formal or informal language?

"Creating obscurity" is generally considered neutral, but it can sound slightly formal depending on the context. In very formal or technical writing, consider more precise alternatives to avoid any ambiguity.