is obscured

USAGE SUMMARY

'is obscured' is a perfectly acceptable phrase that can be used in written English.
For example, "The path ahead was obscured by fog."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

My individualism is obscured.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rest of the team is obscured.

Independent

His flame is obscured, not extinguished.

Princeton University

What happened afterward is obscured by legend.

Britannica

From every angle the view is obscured and fragmented.

The Guardian

Who or what gains visibility, and who or what is obscured?

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

(Logos of the other vehicles are obscured).

The New York Times

Nothing was obscured, reality burned and burned".

The Guardian

Again nothing was obscured, everything gleamingly in place.

The New York Times - Arts

Structural logic was obscured by covering buildings with elaborate tracery.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It will always be obscured or hidden from view".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is obscured", consider the context to ensure that the passive voice effectively conveys who or what is doing the obscuring. Sometimes, using an active voice can provide greater clarity.

Common error

While "is obscured" is grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider revising sentences to use active voice for a more impactful and direct style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is obscured" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is being hidden, made unclear, or less visible. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

30%

Science

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is obscured" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb construction. As Ludwig AI validates, this phrase effectively describes situations where something is hidden, unclear, or less visible. While it appears most commonly in news, academic, and scientific contexts, remember that overusing the passive voice can dilute the impact of your writing. Consider using active voice when appropriate. Alternatives such as “is hidden”, “is concealed”, or “is masked” can provide subtle variations in meaning, depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is hidden

Focuses more directly on the state of being hidden or concealed.

is concealed

Emphasizes the act of deliberately keeping something from being known.

is masked

Implies a covering or disguise that prevents something from being seen or understood.

is veiled

Suggests a subtle covering or concealment, often with a sense of mystery.

is blurred

Indicates a lack of clarity or sharpness, making something difficult to distinguish.

is clouded

Implies that something is made less clear or distinct, often by something else.

is shadowed

Suggests that something is partially hidden or overshadowed by something else.

is eclipsed

Indicates that something is completely hidden or overshadowed, often temporarily.

is shrouded

Suggests being enveloped or concealed, often with an element of secrecy or mystery.

is suppressed

Implies that something is actively kept from being expressed or known.

FAQs

How can I use "is obscured" in a sentence?

You can use "is obscured" to describe something that is hidden, unclear, or difficult to see or understand. For example, "The meaning of the poem "is obscured" by complex metaphors".

What are some alternatives to "is obscured"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is hidden", "is concealed", or "is masked". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "obscure"?

It depends on the context. Passive voice (e.g., "is obscured") is useful when the actor is unknown or unimportant. Active voice (e.g., "fog obscures") is more direct and emphasizes the actor.

What does it mean when something "is obscured" by something else?

It means that the first thing is being hidden, either literally or figuratively, by the second thing, making it difficult to see, understand, or perceive clearly.