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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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more obscure than

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

News & Media

The New York Times

The early history of Japan is considerably more obscure than that of China.

The fate of such initiatives is now more obscure than ever.

News & Media

The Economist

Henry Kissinger was still a Harvard professor, more obscure than famous.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Thus, making them de facto more obscure than the singular Slim Cessna's Auto Club (Denver).

What one actually sees onstage is more obscure than that clear theme.

News & Media

The New York Times

So, too, this court has had repeated occasion to sustain discriminations founded upon reasons much more obscure than this.

He's just another high-profile man behaving badly, part Arnold Schwarzenegger and part Ben Roethlisberger and more obscure than both.

News & Media

The New York Times

Early Norman history, however, is more obscure than Flemish, lacking the records that only Christian clerics could write.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is an ironic punchline for hipster parents whose children may end up having more obscure taste than they do.

News & Media

The Guardian

It's in an even more obscure spot than the Coney Island center, and it sees very little telltale traffic in and out.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, pair this phrase with a specific context—such as historical records or scientific mechanisms—to clarify which type of obscurity you are referencing.

Common error

While "obscurer" is technically a valid comparative form, modern standard English almost exclusively uses "more obscure than". Using "obscurer" in professional or academic contexts can often appear archaic or non-standard to the reader.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.9/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more obscure than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to establish a relationship of degree between two entities regarding their lack of prominence, clarity or recognizability. According to Ludwig, it follows the standard 'more + adjective + than' syntax required for multi-syllabic adjectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more obscure than" is a versatile and essential tool for creating nuanced comparisons in English. Ludwig's extensive database demonstrates that it is favored by the world's most prestigious publications, from The New York Times to Encyclopedia Britannica. It is the grammatically preferred comparative form, consistently outperforming "obscurer than" in formal and professional contexts. Whether you are describing a niche musical artist, a complex legal precedent or a forgotten historical event, this phrase provides a clear and authoritative way to rank subjects by their degree of hiddenness or complexity. For writers seeking more specific nuances, alternatives like "more arcane than" or "lesser known than" can be used depending on whether the obscurity stems from secret knowledge or a lack of public fame.

FAQs

How do I use "more obscure than" in a sentence?

You can use it to compare fame or clarity, for example: "This historical figure remains "more obscure than" his contemporaries."

What can I say instead of "more obscure than"?

Depending on your specific meaning, you might use "lesser known than", "more arcane than" or "less clear than".

Is "more obscure than" formal enough for a thesis?

Yes, it is highly appropriate for academic work. Ludwig shows frequent usage in sources like the "Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy" and various university publications.

What is the difference between "more obscure than" and "more vague than"?

"more vague than" usually refers to a lack of detail in communication, while "more obscure than" often refers to something being hidden, unknown or difficult to find.

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Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.9/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: