obscure text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obscure text" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe text that is difficult to understand or not easily accessible, often due to complexity or lack of clarity. Example: "The manuscript contained obscure text that required extensive interpretation by the scholars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Many Internet videos have little or obscure text, and clips often have no or misleading metadata.

The New York Times

She failed to add that she has found -- or perhaps added -- the comedy, the pleasure and the poetry in an obscure text.

The New York Times

"If you want reference to an obscure text, go look at the minority views that were filed in the Iran-Contra committee, the Iran-Contra report, in about 1987," he said.

The New Yorker

However, warnings vary considerably among countries, ranging from graphic depictions of disease on Canadian packages to obscure text warnings in the United States.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine

This blunder shuffled canons from the top and bottom rows together like playing cards, making the already obscure text even more opaque.

SEP

This work, begun in 1764 and completed thirty years later, transformed Japanese conceptions of their own history and culture and made the Kojiki, then still a relatively obscure text, a central work in the Japanese cultural canon.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

James Matheson, a tall, cheerful Iowan, selected several grim and provocatively obscure texts by the poet Alan Dugan.

The New York Times - Arts

What his characters share is obsession, over obscure texts or unattainable objects of desire.

The Guardian - Books

Ms. Martin at Princeton knows firsthand how electronic searches can unearth both obscure texts and dead ends.

The New York Times - Books

Seven panels from "The Book of Questions," with their maddeningly obscure texts, recall Gertrude Stein's famous last words.

The New York Times

Michael Billington's The Life and Work of Harold Pinter drew interesting links between the playwright's often obscure texts and his life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "obscure text", ensure the context clarifies why the text is difficult to understand, whether due to complex language, specialized knowledge, or poor writing.

Common error

Avoid using "obscure text" simply as a synonym for 'difficult'. Provide context or explanation as to what makes the text obscure. What are the factors (e.g., jargon, antiquity, intentional obfuscation) contributing to its obscurity?

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obscure text" functions as a descriptive phrase, where 'obscure' modifies 'text'. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing written content that is difficult to understand. The examples from Ludwig highlight its use in various contexts to denote complexity or lack of clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obscure text" is a valid and usable phrase to describe written content that is difficult to understand due to its complexity or lack of clarity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. While the phrase is not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, it's helpful to clarify what makes the text obscure for better understanding. Alternatives such as "unclear text", "vague text", and "ambiguous text" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear text

Focuses on the lack of clarity in the text.

vague text

Emphasizes the lack of precision or detail in the text.

ambiguous text

Highlights the possibility of multiple interpretations.

incomprehensible text

Stresses the inability to understand the text.

enigmatic text

Suggests the text is mysterious and puzzling.

arcane text

Implies the text is known only to a few, with specialized knowledge.

opaque text

Highlights the difficulty in seeing through the meaning of the text.

esoteric text

Indicates the text is intended for or understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge.

cryptic text

Emphasizes that the text is deliberately mysterious or obscure.

unintelligible text

Focuses on the inability to make sense of the text.

FAQs

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

You can use "obscure text" to describe any written content that is difficult to understand due to its complexity, vagueness, or specialized nature. For example: "The ancient manuscript contained "obscure text" that only a few scholars could decipher."

What are some alternatives to "obscure text"?

Depending on the specific reason for the difficulty in understanding, you could use alternatives like "unclear text", "vague text", or "ambiguous text".

Is "obscure text" a formal or informal phrase?

"Obscure text" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, although it is more commonly used in academic or analytical contexts.

What makes text "obscure"?

Text can be considered "obscure" for several reasons, including complex language, the use of jargon, a lack of context, or deliberate attempts to hide or confuse the meaning. It's distinct from simply being difficult, as obscurity implies a barrier to understanding beyond typical reading challenges.