more obscure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more obscure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the level of obscurity of two or more things, indicating that one is less clear or more difficult to understand than the other. Example: "The second chapter of the book is even more obscure than the first, leaving readers confused about the plot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The more obscure, the better," she says.

The New York Times

The more obscure the better.

The Guardian - Sport

SOUTHSIDE COFFEE could hardly be more obscure.

The New York Times

The excuses became more and more obscure.

The New Yorker

More obscure companies did some eco-thinking, too.

The New York Times - Tech

The North's relations with America, however, are more obscure.

The Economist

"Search," she says, "is more obscure than social networking".

The New York Times

More obscure inventions are also introduced and explained.

The New York Times - Books

Other Webcasts are more obscure, but no less appreciated.

The New York Times

Classic and modern, well-known and more obscure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Prevalence is in some respects an even more obscure parameter.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more obscure", ensure you provide sufficient context for your audience to understand what you are comparing and why one is less known or understood than the other.

Common error

Avoid using "more obscure" without providing a clear point of reference or comparison. Ensure the reader understands what is being compared and why one is considered less known or understood. Providing specific examples or details can enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more obscure" primarily functions as a comparative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a greater degree of obscurity relative to something else. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. The examples show its use in various contexts, indicating a difference in clarity or understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

16%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more obscure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase that serves to highlight the relative obscurity of one thing compared to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure you provide adequate context for clear comparison. Consider alternatives such as "less known" or "more enigmatic" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less known

Focuses on the lack of familiarity or recognition.

less evident

Highlights the reduced visibility or obviousness.

more enigmatic

Emphasizes the mysterious and puzzling nature.

less accessible

Indicates a difficulty in reaching or understanding.

more recondite

Suggests something understood by only a few; esoteric.

more arcane

Implies something mysterious and understood by few.

more unintelligible

Highlights a lack of comprehensibility.

harder to grasp

Focuses on the difficulty in understanding.

less transparent

Highlights a lack of clarity or openness.

more cryptic

Implies hidden or ambiguous meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "more obscure" in a sentence?

Use "more obscure" to compare the relative obscurity of two or more things, indicating that one is less known or understood than the other. For example: "This author's early work is "more obscure" than his later novels".

What are some alternatives to "more obscure"?

You can use alternatives such as "less known", "more enigmatic", or "less evident" depending on the specific context in which you are using the phrase.

Is it better to say "more obscure" or "less clear"?

The choice between "more obscure" and "less clear" depends on the nuance you want to convey. "More obscure" emphasizes a lack of knowledge or familiarity, while "less clear" emphasizes a lack of comprehensibility. Choose the one that best fits the specific context.

What does it mean when something is described as "more obscure"?

When something is described as "more obscure", it means it is relatively less known, understood, or easily discovered compared to something else. It implies a degree of hiddenness or difficulty in accessing information about it.