obscure information

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obscure information" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to information that is difficult to find or understand, or information that is deliberately kept hidden or secret. Here is an example sentence: "The document was filled with obscure information, making it nearly impossible for anyone to decipher its true meaning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

I loaned him a pen and a notebook, and he filled pages with obscure information.

The New Yorker

But the rules also put a new focus on previously obscure information about how many copies of each paper are sold and at what discounts.

The New York Times

The fans have a mastery of obscure information that can sometimes dazzle, and yet their sense of fun extends to wearing Brünnhilde horns during intermission.

The New York Times - Travel

Most built their followings by ferreting out interesting but obscure information or by providing commentary on events and on news coverage of those events.

The New York Times

This scrap of obscure information always interests me very much; in fact, it is almost always the most interesting thing in the paper to me.

The New Yorker

The illustrations, like the coins, are elegant and refined; the history offered in lengthy wall texts is a trove of obscure information.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

It obscures information and so distorts behaviour.

The Economist

The alternative is an ever thickening soup of noisy data that obscures information, then ideas, and finally the very sky itself.

Huffington Post

A lot of the story is confusing, and trompe l'oeil drawings of pills and flower petals will appear over parts of the comic panels obscuring information.

Vice

And if it's not money that lies beneath these multi-faceted attempts at obscuring information about Fukushima, it's the fear of mass hysteria.

Vice

The gist of the allegations is that Sallie Mae gave money specifically to people they knew stood little chance of repaying them, and that Navient deliberately obscured information about repayment options that would have made their lives bearable.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obscure information", ensure the context clarifies why the information is obscure—is it due to complexity, secrecy, or rarity?

Common error

Avoid using "obscure information" as a general term for 'difficult to understand'. Specify why the information is obscure, such as its technical nature, limited availability, or deliberate concealment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obscure information" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "obscure" modifies the noun "information". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English and refers to information that is difficult to find, understand, or deliberately hidden.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obscure information" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes details, facts, or data that are not easily accessible or widely known. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, emphasizing its reference to information that is difficult to find, understand, or is deliberately concealed. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, the phrase suits a neutral register and serves to highlight the challenges in accessing or comprehending specific knowledge. While alternatives like "esoteric details" or "arcane data" exist, "obscure information" remains a versatile and frequently employed term, as evidenced by its presence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

esoteric details

Focuses on the specialized and unusual nature of the details.

arcane data

Emphasizes the mysterious and specialized quality of the data.

recondite facts

Highlights the depth and difficulty in understanding the facts.

abstruse details

Stresses the complexity and abstract nature of the details.

inaccessible knowledge

Focuses on the difficulty in obtaining or understanding the knowledge.

hidden intelligence

Highlights the concealed or secret nature of the intelligence.

uncommon knowledge

Emphasizes the rarity and unusual nature of the knowledge.

little-known facts

Highlights the lack of general awareness of the facts.

confidential details

Highlights the private or secret nature of the details.

secret intelligence

Emphasizes the highly protected and classified nature of the intelligence.

FAQs

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

You can use "obscure information" to describe data or facts that are not widely known or easily understood. For example, "The historian uncovered a trove of "obscure information" about the king's early life".

What are some alternatives to "obscure information"?

Alternatives to "obscure information" include "esoteric details", "arcane data", or "recondite facts". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "obscure information" and "confusing information"?

"Obscure information" refers to information that is not easily accessible or well-known, while "confusing information" is information that is difficult to understand due to its lack of clarity or coherence. "Obscure information" might be accurate but hard to find, while confusing information might be readily available but poorly presented.

Is it appropriate to use "obscure information" in formal writing?

Yes, "obscure information" is suitable for formal writing when referring to data or facts that are not widely known or easily accessible. However, ensure the context clearly explains why the information is obscure. For example, avoid using it as a direct replacement for alternatives such as "confidential details" unless the context justifies it.