it was obscured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was obscured" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is hidden, unclear, or not easily seen or understood. Example: "The details of the plan were obscured by the complexity of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Ex. as its officers and men called it, was obscured by courts-martial, dissent and the much-publicized deeds of Lt. John C. Fremont, who circumnavigated not the world but the West (which was much more relevant to the immediate aims of a people bent on North American continental expansion than an icebound continent at the end of the Earth).

Los Angeles Times

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

The New York Times

It was obscured by an agent and door.

The Washington Post

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

The Economist

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

The Guardian

The ceiling growing higher and higher, until finally it was obscured by the blueness of empty air.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

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

The Guardian - Travel

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was obscured", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what "it" refers to and what caused the obscuration. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was obscured" without a clear antecedent for "it". Ensure the reader knows exactly what is being obscured to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was obscured" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something (represented by "it") underwent the action of being hidden or made unclear. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The construction highlights the result of an action rather than the actor performing it.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was obscured" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something hidden or unclear. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. It's prevalent in news, scientific writing, and general contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by providing a clear reference for "it" and specifying the cause of obscuration. Consider alternatives like "it was hidden" or "it was unclear" depending on the intended nuance. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage, context, and potential pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was hidden from view

Emphasizes the visual aspect of something being concealed.

it was concealed

Highlights the act of deliberately hiding something.

it was shrouded

Suggests a covering or enveloping that makes something difficult to see or understand.

it was masked

Implies that something is covered up or disguised.

it was blurred

Focuses on the lack of clarity or distinctness.

it was not visible

Directly states the inability to see something.

it was unclear

Emphasizes a lack of understanding or certainty.

it was indistinct

Highlights the lack of clear definition.

it was eclipsed

Suggests that something was overshadowed or surpassed.

it was overshadowed

Emphasizes that something else was more prominent or noticeable.

FAQs

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

Use "it was obscured" to describe something that is hidden, unclear, or not easily seen or understood. For instance, "The view was obscured by the fog" or "The truth was obscured by lies".

What can I say instead of "it was obscured"?

You can use alternatives like "it was hidden", "it was concealed", or "it was unclear" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it was obscured by"?

Yes, "it was obscured by" is a correct and common construction. It indicates what caused the obscuration, for example, "The sun was obscured by the clouds".

What's the difference between "it was obscured" and "it was hidden"?

"It was obscured" suggests something is not easily seen or understood, while "it was hidden" implies a deliberate act of concealment. The choice depends on whether the lack of visibility is intentional or unintentional.