is opaque

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is opaque" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not transparent or clear, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The explanation provided by the author is opaque, making it difficult for readers to understand the main argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

JR himself is opaque.

The New York Times

His sexuality is opaque.

The New Yorker

The bidding process is opaque.

The Economist

The reference is opaque.

The New Yorker

Legal procedure is opaque.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The process is opaque.

The Guardian

But her expression is opaque.

The New York Times

The answer, however, is opaque.

The Guardian

Again, the language is opaque.

The Guardian

For starters, it is opaque and confusing.

The New York Times - Science

"For consumers, the result is opaque".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is opaque" when you want to convey that something is not easily understood or is difficult to see through, either literally or figuratively.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "is opaque" in simple sentences where a more straightforward word like "unclear" or "hidden" would suffice can make your writing sound pretentious. Choose simpler words when appropriate for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is opaque" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's state of being. Ludwig examples show it modifying nouns related to concepts, processes, and expressions, indicating a lack of clarity or transparency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is opaque" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating a lack of clarity, transparency, or intelligibility. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. Predominantly found in news and academic sources, it serves to describe concepts, processes, or expressions that are difficult to understand. While versatile, it is best suited for contexts where a nuanced expression of obscurity is required, avoiding overly simple scenarios. Consider alternatives like "is unclear" or "is murky" for simpler communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unclear

Replaces "opaque" with a more common synonym, indicating a lack of clarity.

is untransparent

Directly contrasts with transparency, highlighting a lack of openness.

is murky

Suggests a lack of clarity due to cloudiness or obscurity.

is obscure

Indicates that something is not easily discovered or understood.

is vague

Implies a lack of precision or detail.

lacks clarity

Emphasizes the absence of clearness in expression or thought.

is unintelligible

Highlights the inability to understand something.

is confusing

Focuses on the difficulty in understanding, causing bewilderment.

is impenetrable

Emphasizes the impossibility of understanding or accessing something.

is secretive

Implies that information is deliberately hidden or concealed.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is opaque"?

When something "is opaque", it means it's not transparent and you can't see through it. Figuratively, it means something is difficult to understand or unclear.

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

You can use "is opaque" to describe something that lacks clarity. For example, "The meaning of the poem is "is unclear"" or "The company's financial statements are "is unclear"".

What are some alternatives to saying "is opaque"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "is unclear", "is vague", or "is murky" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "is opaque" or "is not transparent"?

Both "is opaque" and "is not transparent" are correct. "Is opaque" is often used figuratively to describe something difficult to understand, while "is not transparent" can be used both literally and figuratively. The choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.