it is obscure

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "It is obscure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence when something is hard to understand or not clearly described. For example, "Stravinsky's work is somewhat obscure to the modern listener."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But before the event it is obscure and pregnant with conflicting meanings.

The New Yorker

The cause may be obvious (lightning or hail), but often it is obscure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Juilliard415 strikes me as a great name precisely because it is obscure but not impenetrable.

The New York Times - Arts

"I can't deny it is obscure," said Dworkin, who lives in Irvine, Calif., and admitted to spending five figures to accumulate more than 100 cards.

The New York Times - Sports

The rap against W. S. Merwin's poetry has been that it is obscure and abstract, as aloof as a balloon on the end of a string.

The New York Times - Books

HarperCollins, 350 pp., £16.99, 17 September 2001, 0 00 710614 9 Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa may be 'the world's most famous painting' but almost everything about it is obscure.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The main problem with this method is its inability to locate the FECG if it is obscured by the MECG.

Biological Procedures Online

But here it is obscured by a mountain of minutiae.

The New York Times

"When it is obscured by rain, you can't tell what the danger is".

The New York Times

That is partly because it is obscured by the gaseous nebula ejected in that explosion.

The Economist

If it is obscured over large areas, what does that mean for the animals that use it to navigate?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is obscure" when you want to describe something that is not easily understood or is vague and uncertain. It is suitable for formal writing and academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it is obscure" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "it's not clear" or "it's confusing" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is obscure" functions as a statement expressing a lack of clarity or understanding. It serves to describe something as not easily comprehensible or having a hidden meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is obscure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote something that is not easily understood or lacks clarity. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability across various contexts. While commonly found in News & Media and Science, it maintains a formal register, making it more suitable for academic and professional settings. When clarity and understanding are paramount, alternatives like "it is vague" or "it is unclear" might provide a simpler, more accessible alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is vague

Focuses on the lack of precision or detail.

it is unclear

Emphasizes the absence of a clear understanding.

it is ambiguous

Highlights the potential for multiple interpretations.

it is enigmatic

Suggests a mysterious and puzzling quality.

it is incomprehensible

Stresses the inability to understand it.

it is unintelligible

Indicates that it cannot be understood.

it is abstruse

Highlights its difficulty in being understood or comprehended.

it is recondite

Suggests that it is known or understood by very few people.

it is cryptic

Emphasizes the hidden or mysterious meaning.

it is perplexing

Highlights its causing confusion and difficulty in understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "it is obscure" in a sentence?

Use "it is obscure" when you want to indicate that something is not easily understood or lacks clarity. For example, "The meaning of the poem "it is obscure"."

What are some alternatives to "it is obscure"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is vague", "it is unclear", or "it is ambiguous" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it is obscure"?

It is appropriate to use "it is obscure" in formal writing, academic discussions, or when describing complex or abstract concepts. Avoid using it in casual conversation or informal writing.

What makes "it is obscure" different from "it is unclear"?

"It is obscure" implies a deeper level of difficulty in understanding, suggesting that the meaning is hidden or not easily apparent. "It is unclear" simply means that something lacks clarity, without necessarily implying a hidden meaning.