obscure expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obscure expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a phrase or term that is not well-known or is difficult to understand. Example: "The author often employs obscure expressions that challenge the reader's comprehension."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It's an obscure expression of feminist jihadism in some sense but what it isn't is evidence that Isis is ordering brigades of women to carry out bomb attacks," he added.

Independent

While there may not be a big endorsement deal or a Wheaties box waiting for me at the end of my journey, there will certainly be plenty of people to greet me when I return, each wearing that obscure expression of patriotism mixed with pride mixed with disappointment, otherwise known as Bronze Face.

The New Yorker

As the cell line intrinsic properties may obscure expression patterns related to PIP gene expression, we appreciated the range of biological variability through unsupervised clustering of the entire gene expression profiles (Figure 2).

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Complex and obscure expressions and technical terms are used in law cases in Japan.

BMC Medical Ethics

This may represent trainees' perceptions that reading law cases is difficult due to complex technical terms, long sentences, and obscure expressions.

BMC Medical Ethics

Then a cut, and there, kneeling on a stretch of sidewalk, is a young man in jeans and a red hoodie, an obscure, plaintive expression on his face as he holds your gaze.

The New Yorker

"Get them without rims so they don't obscure your expression".

The New York Times - Magazine

Cohen sang his standards and more, often beginning each one kneeling, his own homage to his deeply felt work, his signature fedora rakishly tilted at first to totally obscure his expression and then after intermission, to reveal the craggy, wise troubadour.

Huffington Post

Poorly collected samples (patients not actually sharing the same molecular phenotype) or disease heterogeneity (multiple genes or pathways leading to similar phenotypes) will obscure the expression pattern and will make picking up a meaningful signal more difficult.

Plosone

Each experiment was normalised independently to preclude batch effects which would obscure gene expression patterns [ 62].

BMC Systems Biology

Complex weathering obscures the expression of the basement geochemistry in the regolith, and therefore the footprints of mineral systems are difficult to detect.

Ore Geology Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "obscure expression", ensure the surrounding context provides enough information to hint at the expression's meaning or why it is considered obscure. This helps the reader navigate the complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "obscure expression" repeatedly in a text without providing specific examples or explanations. Overuse can make your writing seem vague and unhelpful, rather than insightful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obscure expression" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It refers to a term or phrase that is not easily understood or is not widely known.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obscure expression" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote language that is not easily understood. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English, though relatively rare in occurrence. Its usage spans across diverse fields like Science, News & Media, and Encyclopedias, signifying its applicability in varied contexts. Related phrases include "vague term" and "unclear phrase". When employing "obscure expression", providing sufficient context becomes crucial for reader comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Incomprehensible expression

Stresses the inability to understand the expression.

Unclear phrase

Emphasizes the difficulty in understanding the expression.

Ambiguous wording

Highlights the potential for multiple interpretations.

Vague term

Focuses on the lack of clarity or precision in the word itself.

Cryptic remark

Suggests a hidden meaning that is not readily apparent.

Opaque idiom

Suggests that the idiom is difficult to see through or understand.

Esoteric language

Implies that the language is only understood by a select few.

Recondite statement

Highlights the depth and obscurity of the statement.

Perplexing articulation

Highlights the confusion and bewilderment caused by the way something is expressed.

Murky phraseology

Conveys a sense of cloudiness and lack of transparency in the language.

FAQs

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

You can use "obscure expression" to describe language that is not easily understood. For example, "The legal document contained several "obscure expressions" that required further clarification".

What are some alternatives to "obscure expression"?

Alternatives include "vague term", "unclear phrase", or "ambiguous wording", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "obscure expression" grammatically correct?

Yes, "obscure expression" is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

What's the difference between "obscure expression" and "unclear expression"?

"Obscure expression" suggests that the expression is hidden or not easily discoverable, while "unclear expression" simply means it lacks clarity. While similar, "obscure expression" implies a deeper level of hidden meaning than a merely "unclear expression".