obscure sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obscure sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sentence that is difficult to understand or lacks clarity. Example: "The author often uses an obscure sentence that leaves readers confused about the main point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It was the difference between black-and-white footage of the Second World War and David Bowie on 'Top of the Pops' singing 'Life on Mars.' " The narrator gets a tattoo (an obscure sentence from Jane Austen) that "hurts like irony".

The New York Times - Books

Its first paragraph begins with the most obscure sentence in the entire paper: "The solutions to these problems are likely to be found with the organic and inorganic molecules and inorganic ions that constituted the first cells …".

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I wanted to write the most obscure sentences you've ever seen and I wanted to write about, you know, the English country house experience," he explained.

The New York Times - Books

For an obscure, slightly fusty sentence that Barnes did write — but pretended not to — see Geoff Dyer's Reading Life column in the Dec. 18 issue of the Book Review.

The New York Times - Books

— Amendment XIV, Section 4. By the time that long-obscure, lately apposite sentence became part of the Constitution, on July 9, 1868, the insurrection that occasioned it had been thoroughly, and bloodily, suppressed.

The New Yorker

Grayson Perry never fashions a sentence so obscure it shuts the space between understanding and perception and knocks them both on the head.

The Guardian - Opinion

Until recently the ban, which carries a maximum one-year prison sentence, was obscure: it has only been used once in court, according to Pawancheek Marican, a Malaysian lawyer who has written about it.

The New York Times

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

BMC Medical Ethics

She noted that some judges would devote 30 or 40 pages of a sentence to an obscure point of legal theory.

The New York Times

Writing: The writing in many places is sufficiently confusing so as to alter or obscure the conclusions of a sentence.

eLife

However, his few surviving sentences are too obscure and fragmentary to give much confidence in interpretation.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "obscure sentence", ensure that you provide context or examples to illustrate what makes the sentence obscure. This helps the reader understand the specific issue you are addressing.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a sentence as "obscure" without providing any details about why it is difficult to understand. Explain the specific aspects that contribute to the obscurity, such as complex vocabulary, convoluted syntax, or ambiguous references.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obscure sentence" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "obscure" modifies the noun "sentence". Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It is generally used to describe a sentence that is difficult to understand or lacks clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obscure sentence" is a useful way to describe a sentence that lacks clarity or is difficult to understand. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. When using this phrase, it is important to provide specific details about why the sentence is obscure to help the reader understand the issue. Alternatives such as "vague sentence" or "unclear statement" can be used depending on the intended nuance. Common contexts for this phrase include news and media, science, and encyclopedias, reflecting its broad applicability in discussing writing quality across various fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear statement

Focuses on the lack of clarity in the statement itself.

vague sentence

Highlights the lack of precision or detail in the sentence.

ambiguous statement

Emphasizes the sentence's potential for multiple interpretations.

murky sentence

Uses a metaphorical term to describe the sentence as being difficult to see through or understand.

confusing sentence

Highlights the effect the sentence has on the reader.

enigmatic sentence

Suggests the sentence is mysterious and difficult to decipher.

incomprehensible sentence

Focuses on the inability to understand the sentence.

cryptic sentence

Implies the sentence has a hidden meaning.

impenetrable sentence

Suggests the sentence is impossible to understand.

abstruse sentence

Describes the sentence as being difficult to understand due to its complexity.

FAQs

How can I identify an "obscure sentence" in my writing?

An "obscure sentence" is typically characterized by complex wording, ambiguous language, or a lack of clear connection between its parts. If you find yourself rereading a sentence multiple times without fully grasping its meaning, it might be an /s/obscure+sentence.

What are some alternatives to "obscure sentence"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like "vague sentence", "unclear statement", or "ambiguous statement".

How can I rewrite an "obscure sentence" to make it clearer?

To rewrite an /s/obscure+sentence, break it down into smaller, simpler sentences. Use more common vocabulary, avoid jargon, and ensure each phrase clearly relates to the main idea.

What causes a sentence to be "obscure"?

Sentences can be /s/obscure+sentence due to various factors, including overly complex sentence structure, the use of jargon or technical terms without explanation, or a lack of clear context for the ideas being presented.