obscure with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obscure with" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning.
It could be used in contexts where something is made unclear or hidden by something else, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "The details of the project were obscure with all the technical jargon used in the presentation."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Usually Ms. Abeles combines the pointed and obscure with enough visual pizazz to keep you interested.

The New York Times - Arts

Northern Ireland's legacy of political murder is getting more obscure with every passing year.

The Guardian - Opinion

And if that doesn't work, do something really obscure with a big film star.

The Guardian - Money

It is a beer store; refrigerators by the entrance are stocked with hundreds of brands, most of them obscure, with funky labels that make trophies of empties.

The New Yorker

They also offer an insight into how traumatising the Kennedy assassinations were at the time – something we can almost obscure with hindsight, revisionism, and conspiracy theories.

The Guardian - Books

Cirrus's breeding, which could best be described as obscure, with nothing notable in five generations of his maternal line, makes him a flag-bearer for the underdog.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"Their faces are obscured with wound-like shadows," he said.

The New York Times

Many are partly obscured with poles and plantings and can impede the view of oncoming traffic.

The New York Times

Some of them wear spectacles whose lenses are obscured with the party symbol, a star.

The Economist

The models wore their hair in sprayed and polished chignons, their eyes obscured with shades or by dark shadow.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The pope had a great idea that some in the Vatican are obscuring with a fog machine".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obscure with", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being obscured and what is causing the obscuration. Clarity is key, as this phrase can sometimes sound awkward.

Common error

Avoid using "obscure with" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and elegant alternatives like "clouded by" or "masked by" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obscure with" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of making something unclear or less visible by means of something else. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts where details are hidden or masked. The overall function is to describe a process of diminishing clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obscure with" is a grammatically acceptable phrase used to describe the act of making something unclear or less visible. While Ludwig indicates that it's not incorrect, it's essential to consider more precise alternatives like "clouded by" or "masked by" for improved clarity, especially in formal writing. Ludwig's examples show usage across news, science and encyclopedic contexts, highlighting its versatility while advising careful consideration of stylistic appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clouded by

Focuses on the idea of something being less clear because of something else.

hidden by

Emphasizes the act of concealing something.

covered by

Implies a physical covering that makes something difficult to see.

masked by

Suggests that something is disguised or concealed.

blurred by

Indicates a lack of clarity or precision.

obfuscated by

Implies deliberate confusion or concealment.

screened by

Suggests protection or concealment from view.

shrouded in

Implies being enveloped or concealed in something.

veiled by

Suggests a subtle or partial covering.

eclipsed by

Focuses on something becoming less prominent or important due to something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "obscure with" to indicate that something is made unclear or hidden by something else. For example, "The details were obscure with technical jargon."

What are some alternatives to "obscure with"?

Alternatives include "clouded by", "hidden by", or "masked by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "obscure with" grammatically correct?

While grammatically acceptable, "obscure with" isn't always the most elegant or common choice. Consider more precise alternatives for improved clarity.

When should I avoid using "obscure with"?

It's best to avoid "obscure with" in formal writing where precision and clarity are paramount. Opt for more refined alternatives like "veiled by" or "eclipsed by".