obscure ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obscure ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe concepts or thoughts that are not easily understood or are not well-known. Example: "The author's book is filled with obscure ideas that challenge conventional thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

Arts

General discussions

Philosophy

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

On the other, art of physical modesty that whispers obscure ideas and above-it-all pretense.

The New York Times - Arts

A company can easily lose focus when it is deluged with unprofitable and obscure ideas from fervent users.

The Economist

Those searching for information may not be inspired to draw parallels between obscure ideas or topics, and may be less inclined to make their own judgments about original material.

The New York Times

One of the great things to come out of the internet is the ability for obscure ideas and skills to be organised into a collective that has critical mass.

The Guardian

The same period saw the rise of "theory" in the literary humanities: a hodgepodge of abstract, often obscure ideas about language, value, and history, all of which were calculated to undermine the pieties in terms of which humanists had justified their work for centuries.

Princeton University

At a time when the term conceptual art is bandied about in reference to such transparently non-conceptualists as Tracey Emin, this show by nine contemporary artists reminds us of a creative genre that puts as much emphasis on often highly obscure ideas as on the apparent resolution of the finished image.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"And it means I can write whatever I want to - even if it's an obscure idea like adapting a Noh play... " · Nakamitsu is at the Gate, London (020-7229 0706), until June 16.

The Guardian

These kinds of reflections led him to the relative and obscure idea of substance in general.

SEP

Simply put, Bill Gates did not invent or seize upon an obscure idea and foist it on an unsuspecting public.

Forbes

It may sound like an obscure idea, but according to Debteye, which we covered in July, 10 million people spend over $2 billion on debt counseling and credit programs to help them extricate themselves from debt.

TechCrunch

Now, as Locke has convincingly shown, we can have ideas of particular things or substances, e.g., gold and lead, humans and sheep, distinguished by our ideas of their various properties, but we have only a confused or obscure idea of substance in general, which we suppose to underlie whatever collection of ideas we take to be a thing or a substance of one kind or another.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "obscure ideas", provide context or examples to help your audience understand the concepts you're referencing. This avoids alienating readers who may not be familiar with the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using even more complex language when trying to explain "obscure ideas". Aim for clarity and simplicity in your explanations to make the ideas more accessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obscure ideas" functions as a noun phrase, where "obscure" modifies the noun "ideas". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obscure ideas" aptly describes concepts that lack clarity or are not widely understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct, though relatively uncommon. It tends to surface in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in academic, news, and encyclopedic discussions. To use it effectively, provide ample context to guide your audience. Consider alternatives such as "vague notions" or "esoteric concepts" to better align with your specific meaning and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Esoteric concepts

Highlights specialized and difficult to grasp ideas.

Abstruse theories

Focuses on complex and hard-to-understand theoretical frameworks.

Cryptic concepts

Emphasizes hidden or mysterious meanings.

Vague notions

Emphasizes lack of clarity or definition.

Clouded ideas

Highlights the lack of transparency and clarity.

Recondite thoughts

Stresses the depth and obscurity of the ideas.

Puzzling notions

Focuses on the confusing and perplexing nature of the ideas.

Murky thoughts

Conveys a sense of unclearness or hidden meaning.

Incomprehensible notions

Highlights the difficulty in understanding or grasping the ideas.

Unintelligible concepts

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "obscure ideas" to describe concepts that are difficult to understand or not widely known. For example, "The lecture explored several "obscure ideas" in quantum physics".

What's a good alternative to "obscure ideas"?

Alternatives include "vague notions", "esoteric concepts", or "recondite thoughts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Are "obscure ideas" always negative?

Not necessarily. While "obscure ideas" can imply a lack of clarity, they can also refer to innovative or unconventional concepts that challenge conventional thinking. The context determines whether it's positive or negative.

Is it better to avoid using "obscure ideas" in writing?

Not necessarily. If you're writing for a specialized audience, using "obscure ideas" might be appropriate. However, if your goal is to communicate effectively with a broader audience, you might want to explain or simplify those ideas.