obscure points

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "obscure points" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that is not clear or easy to understand. For example, "The professor discussed some obscure points in his lecture which left even the most advanced students confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Scoring obscure points in a debate over outsourcing rarely helps in such decisions.

The Economist

The questions, meanwhile, get harder, with candidates asked to locate more obscure points and to recite longer, more byzantine journeys across London's byways.

The New York Times

His history, a graphically written account of Moorish dominion in Spain that shed new light on many obscure points, long remained the standard work on the subject.

Britannica

In closed enforcement proceedings, S.E.C. officials said, he could obsess over seemingly obscure points, driving an already overworked enforcement staff of the commission to deep distraction -- much of it, in the minds of some officials, unnecessary.

The New York Times

We have become used to the fact that on occasion obscure points of human rights law can scupper what look like common sense procedures – deporting Islamist extremists for instance.

The Guardian - Opinion

This year's Games has already had its fair share of protests and inquiries - some of which have enlightened the casual viewer as to the more obscure points and scoring rules in sports such as men's gymnastics.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The paradox is that the vanishing point is discerned only as an obscure point, yet something is happening in that obscurity.

The New Yorker

The image quality was scored as follow: 1 point: obscure; 2 points: clouding; 3 points: more clear; and 4 points: clear [ 8].

BMC Gastroenterology

At some obscure point during this time, under Mr Knuckles's direction, disco evolved into house.

The Economist

Far from being some abstruse, obscure point of theology, pidyon shvuyim is called in the Talmud a "mitzvah rabbah," a great commandment.

The New York Times

How and why had a 51-year-old businesswoman dedicated her time and money to an obscure point of constitutional law?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obscure points", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand the nature of the obscurity. Providing some context helps avoid confusion and clarifies why the points are difficult to grasp.

Common error

Avoid using "obscure points" as a placeholder for actual analysis. Instead of simply labeling something as obscure, strive to shed light on why it is obscure, even if you cannot fully clarify it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obscure points" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "obscure" modifies the noun "points". Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obscure points" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote details or aspects that are not easily understood or well-known. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for use in written English. This phrase frequently appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While generally appropriate, writers should ensure sufficient context is provided when using "obscure points" to avoid reader confusion. Alternatives such as "unclear aspects" or "vague details" can be considered for subtle shifts in emphasis. Ultimately, "obscure points" serves as a valuable tool for identifying areas needing further clarification or exploration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear aspects

Focuses on the lack of clarity of the aspects being discussed.

vague details

Highlights the lack of specificity in the details.

ambiguous elements

Emphasizes the multiple possible interpretations of the elements.

nebulous areas

Suggests the areas are ill-defined and lack clear boundaries.

enigmatic details

Highlights the puzzling and mysterious nature of the details.

murky issues

Implies the issues are clouded and difficult to see through.

arcane aspects

Suggests the aspects are known only to a few and difficult to grasp.

hidden facets

Highlights that these points are not immediately apparent or easily discoverable.

subtle nuances

Focuses on the fine, often overlooked distinctions.

complex subtleties

Emphasizes the intricate and hard-to-understand nature of the subtleties.

FAQs

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

You can use "obscure points" to refer to details or aspects that are not easily understood or are not well-known. For example, "The lecture delved into some "obscure points" of quantum physics".

What's a good alternative for "obscure points"?

Alternatives include "unclear aspects", "vague details", or "ambiguous elements", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "obscure points"?

The phrase "obscure points" is appropriate in academic, news, and general writing when discussing complex or little-known details. It is suitable for indicating that certain aspects require further clarification or are not easily accessible to everyone.

How formal is the phrase "obscure points"?

The phrase "obscure points" is generally considered neutral in formality and is appropriate for a wide range of writing styles, from academic papers to news articles.