obscure time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'obscure time' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a period in history that is mysterious, unknown, or not well known. For example, "The cause of the strange phenomenon remains a mystery, seemingly lost to the obscure time of the early 1900s."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"This cold, grey sea in an obscure time," declares Pye in his introduction, "made the modern world possible".

The Guardian - Books

Networks sometimes stream the already-completed episodes of "lame duck" shows online or burn them off in obscure time slots to satisfy fans.

The New York Times

A newly arrived English undergraduate, I attended a lecture at an obscure time by an obscure lecturer about a novel by Ursula le Guin.

The Guardian - Books

Always more than three-chord wonders, the once-belligerent punk veterans returned for the gorgeous harpsichord-inflected 'Golden Brown', the black-dressed four-piece and the classical ensemble weaving a bewitching tapestry of obscure time signatures.

Independent

In an age of quadruple-tracked crushing riffs and an almost Borgesian multiplicity of obscure time signatures, it can be pretty hard to stand out as a metal band.

Independent

With his album entering the top 20 this month, Thompson happily jokes about old age, obscure time signatures and his less fashionable periods, yet such highlights from Electric allude to male angst, with seething intensity on the stymied lust of 'Stony Ground'.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The walls are carpeted and the spotlights subdued, all adding to the rather obscure time-warp sensation.

BBC

Such downtime should not be relegated to obscure times like 5 a.m.

Science Magazine

Her school years were unhappy; she described her junior and high school years as "obscure times", as she was bullied due to her "fatness", "shortness", "ugliness", and other factors related to her appearance.

Wikipedia

That "blah blah blah" represents a mental wall she has erected to obscure a time when her feelings towards her mother curdled into resentment and rage.

The Guardian - Arts

Symmetry in responses to Eff and Ineff morphs is not preordained, however: subtracting the response to Ineff images from the response to Eff images might obscure the time course of the separate responses to Eff and to Ineff images.

Cerebral Cortex

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obscure time", consider the connotation of mystery and lack of clear information. It works best when you want to emphasize the difficulty in understanding or reconstructing a particular period.

Common error

Avoid using "obscure time" when describing recent events or periods where information is readily available. It's more appropriate for historical or poorly documented periods.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obscure time" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. "Obscure" describes the nature of the "time" period, indicating that it is not well-known or clearly understood. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its valid usage across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obscure time" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a period lacking clear information or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its usage is valid, although not very common. It tends to be more frequent in neutral to formal contexts like news, literature, and scientific discussions, where the intention is to emphasize the mysterious or poorly documented nature of a particular era. Consider alternative phrases like "vague period" or "shadowy age" for nuanced expressions. Avoid using the phrase in modern contexts where data is readily available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vague period

Focuses on the lack of clarity or definition of the time frame.

uncertain era

Highlights the lack of certainty and predictability during that time.

undefined moment

Emphasizes the lack of clear boundaries or characteristics of a specific point in time.

hazy epoch

Suggests a lack of sharpness or distinctness in the historical period.

shadowy age

Implies a time characterized by secrecy, mystery, or darkness.

indistinct timeframe

Highlights the difficulty in clearly perceiving or understanding the duration.

ambiguous phase

Focuses on the open to more than one interpretation aspect of the time.

nebulous duration

Suggests a time span that is ill-defined or lacking clear boundaries.

murky interval

Implies a time characterized by confusion, obscurity, or unpleasantness.

veiled age

Suggests that the historical period is somewhat concealed or hidden.

FAQs

What does "obscure time" mean?

The phrase "obscure time" refers to a period or moment that is not well-known, understood, or documented, often shrouded in mystery or lacking clear details.

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

You might say, "The origins of the artifact are lost in the "vague period" of the early Bronze Age", indicating uncertainty about the artifact's beginnings.

What are some alternatives to "obscure time"?

Consider alternatives like "uncertain era", "hazy epoch", or "shadowy age" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "obscure time" a formal or informal expression?

"Obscure time" tends to be more common in formal writing, such as historical texts or literary works, rather than in casual conversation.