it began to obfuscate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it began to obfuscate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where something started to become unclear or confusing. Example: "As the discussion progressed, it began to obfuscate the main issue at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But then it began to obfuscate.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It began to rain.

The New Yorker

It began to bleed".

The New Yorker

It began to die.

The New York Times

Then it began to climb.

The New Yorker

It begins to rain.

The New Yorker

Facebook is facing fresh criticism in Europe over data protection and the myriad smoke-and-mirrors methods it uses to obfuscate its gathering and processing of user data.

TechCrunch

It's challenging, though, because in this town there are all kinds of people whose job it is to obfuscate the facts".

The New York Times

Better, it seems, to obfuscate the matter: Issue a friendly press release that announces a new U.S.-based sourcing project that brings jobs and investment 'back' to America.

Forbes

But for the powerful, it's greatest asset the obvious thing it achieves, above all else is how it allows them to obfuscate.

Vice

We have not released code with encryption algorithm and are providing it as a convenience for applications where it is necessary to obfuscate the identity of the probe.

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it began to obfuscate" when you want to describe the gradual process of something becoming unclear or confusing, often suggesting a deliberate attempt to hide or complicate the truth. It is most effective in formal or analytical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it began to obfuscate" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "it got confusing" or "it became unclear" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it began to obfuscate" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action. It suggests a process where something starts to become unclear or intentionally confusing. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it began to obfuscate" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the initial stages of something becoming unclear or intentionally confusing. Ludwig's analysis shows that its primary context is in news media. While grammatically correct, the phrase is relatively rare, and simpler alternatives may be more suitable in informal settings. The phrase is best used in analytical writing to describe a deliberate attempt to hide or complicate the truth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it commenced to obscure

Uses a more formal synonym for "obfuscate", maintaining a similar tone.

it started to confuse

Replaces "obfuscate" with a more common and simpler verb, making the phrase less formal.

it began to cloud the issue

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey the idea of making something less clear.

it turned hazy

Offers a more concise and figurative way to express the loss of clarity.

it became less clear

Simplifies the phrasing to directly state the lack of clarity.

it started to become vague

Focuses on the increasing lack of definition and precision.

it descended into ambiguity

Emphasizes a transition towards a state of uncertainty and multiple interpretations.

it started to garble

Implies that the message or information became distorted and unintelligible.

it began to muddy the waters

Employs an idiom suggesting the introduction of confusion and complications.

it initiated a smokescreen

Suggests a deliberate attempt to conceal the truth.

FAQs

How can I use "it began to obfuscate" in a sentence?

You can use "it began to obfuscate" to describe something that gradually becomes unclear or confusing. For example, "As the discussion progressed, "it began to obfuscate" the main issue at hand".

What are some alternatives to "it began to obfuscate"?

Some alternatives include "it started to confuse", "it began to cloud the issue", or "it became less clear".

Is "it began to obfuscate" formal or informal?

"It began to obfuscate" is relatively formal due to the verb "obfuscate". In less formal contexts, consider using phrases like "it got confusing" or "it became unclear".

What does it mean when something 'begins to obfuscate'?

When something "begins to obfuscate", it means it starts to become unclear, confusing, or intentionally misleading. It suggests a process where clarity is gradually lost or hidden.