it was obscure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was obscure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was unclear, difficult to understand, or not well-known in a particular context. Example: "The author's writing style was so complex that it was obscure to many readers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Every aspect of it was obscure.

The New Yorker

"It was surprising, because I thought it was obscure.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was obscure not because it was theatrically desolate and raw, but because it was the opposite of that.

The New York Times - Travel

St. Augustine of Hippo's (354 430 ce) later succinct claim that "an unjust law does not seem to be a law at all" served for centuries as a kind of slogan of the natural-law tradition, despite the assertions of some critics that it was obscure or contradictory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Eight years ago it was obscure and even belittled.

TechCrunch

He said the evidence for it was obscure and unconvincing.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It was obscured by an agent and door.

The Washington Post

It was obscured by a white-and-yellow evidence tent.

The New York Times

The view would no doubt have been spectacular, but it was obscured by foggy drizzle.

The Economist

I missed the panic attack, or at least the views it was obscuring.

The Guardian - Travel

It was obscured until he was 219 metres away and may have been unreadable in daylight.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your target audience's knowledge base. If they're unfamiliar with the subject matter, opt for more straightforward language instead of "it was obscure".

Common error

Avoid using "it was obscure" when simpler phrases like "it was unclear" or "it was vague" would suffice. Overusing more complex vocabulary can make your writing sound pretentious or unnatural. In the end, this phrase is usually more suitable to describe a concept, than describe someone's directions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was obscure" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that something lacked clarity or was not easily understood. As seen in the Ludwig examples, this phrase is used to characterize concepts, evidence, or origins as being unclear or unknown. It is deemed correct and usable according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was obscure" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe something lacking clarity or not well-known. Ludwig AI states this expression is valid and provides numerous examples to confirm its usage. While considered relatively uncommon, its appearance spans various authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Writing guidance suggests ensuring the context is clear and avoiding overuse in simplistic scenarios. Related phrases include alternatives like "it was unclear" or "it was vague", offering nuanced substitutes. Overall, this phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing, depending on the specific context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unintelligible

Replaces "obscure" with a stronger emphasis on the inability to understand.

it was vague

Highlights the lack of clarity and precision, making it difficult to grasp the meaning.

it was unclear

A direct and simple substitute focusing on the lack of clarity.

it was mysterious

Suggests the obscurity stems from a puzzling or enigmatic quality.

it was opaque

Implies a lack of transparency or easy access to understanding.

it was arcane

Indicates the obscurity comes from being known only to a few, often experts.

it was ambiguous

Focuses on the phrase having multiple possible interpretations, leading to obscurity.

it was hidden

Suggests the information was deliberately concealed.

it was cryptic

Implicates the obscurity stems from a deliberate attempt to be secretive or enigmatic.

it was veiled

Conveys that the meaning was covered or disguised, not directly presented.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was obscure" to describe something that was not easily understood or not well-known. For instance, "The meaning of the poem was obscure to most readers" or "The origins of the tradition were obscure and difficult to trace".

What are some alternatives to "it was obscure"?

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

Is "it was obscure" formal or informal?

"It was obscure" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific situation to ensure it's the most appropriate choice.

What's the difference between "it was obscure" and "it was confusing"?

"It was obscure" suggests that something is difficult to understand due to a lack of clarity or information, while "it was confusing" suggests that something is difficult to understand because it is complex or contradictory.