opaque wording

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opaque wording" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe language that is unclear or difficult to understand, often due to excessive complexity or ambiguity. Example: "The report was filled with opaque wording, making it challenging for the average reader to grasp the main points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

That might simply sound like ensuring a level playing field, but for some market-minded Tories it signals a retreat.Much depends on how such opaque wording is interpreted.

The Economist

Judith Jolly Lib Dem, House of Lords The opaque wording of the party establishment motion for the Lib Dem conference this weekend, such as "ensuring that competition in the NHS is in the interests of patients", shows how far the party leadership has lost the plot.

The Guardian

Nor can you obfuscate consent behind opaque wording that doesn't actually specify the thing you're going to do with the data.

TechCrunch

Then, using opaque wording, the head of legal services suggested I trade him information about Tierra Nativa in exchange for answers to my questions.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It was a desperate battle to match the music they loved or loathed or, in some cases, knew little about, with their own wonderfully opaque word pictures.

The Guardian - Books

The Angolans told him that things had "gone up," or were "tough," opaque words that were supposed to explain each new request for more money.

The New Yorker

The resulting list shows that most opaque words are high-frequency words with unusual meanings.

English for Specific Purposes

In this paper, I argue that words chosen for an explicit classroom focus should be words that students are likely to have problems dealing with autonomously, and that these are polysemous words where the meaning required is not the usual meaning; in other words, opaque words.

English for Specific Purposes

The paper shows how to create a list of opaque words for teaching engineering English at a Thai university by comparing the meanings of words in the context against the main meanings given in the online dictionaries that students often rely on.

English for Specific Purposes

Equity is a banal, opaque word meant to make privileged white people feel comfortable.

Huffington Post

How did "sequestration" -- a banal, bureaucratic, deliberately opaque word -- replace "fiscal cliff" in the media and in Congress?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "opaque wording", consider if simplifying the language would improve understanding for your audience. Clarity is often more effective than complex vocabulary.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical or uncommon words when simpler alternatives exist. While "opaque wording" can accurately describe complex language, ensure your own writing doesn't fall into that category by favoring clarity and accessibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opaque wording" functions primarily as a descriptive term. It's used to characterize the quality of the "wording" itself, indicating that it's difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI explains, it characterizes language that is unclear or difficult to understand.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opaque wording" is a phrase used to describe language that is unclear and difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate in contexts where there's a lack of clarity. The analysis reveals that while the phrase is used across different contexts, it's more common in News & Media and Science. To improve clarity, writers should avoid overly complex terms and ensure their writing is accessible. While the phrase is relatively rare, understanding its meaning and usage can help writers identify and avoid similar issues in their own writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unclear phrasing

Focuses on the lack of clarity in how something is phrased.

Vague language

Highlights the lack of specificity and precision in the language used.

Ambiguous language

Emphasizes the potential for multiple interpretations.

Obscure phrasing

Indicates that the phrasing is not easily understood or readily apparent.

Murky wording

Suggests that the wording is unclear and difficult to see through.

Convoluted language

Emphasizes the complex and intricate nature of the language.

Dense wording

Highlights the heavy and complex nature of the wording.

Impenetrable phrasing

Indicates that the phrasing is impossible to understand.

Confusing language

Highlights the potential for misunderstanding and disorientation.

Inscrutable wording

Suggests that the wording is impossible to interpret or understand.

FAQs

What does "opaque wording" mean?

"Opaque wording" refers to language that is unclear, obscure, or difficult to understand, often due to complexity or ambiguity.

What can I say instead of "opaque wording"?

You can use alternatives like "unclear phrasing", "vague language", or "ambiguous language" depending on the specific context.

How can I avoid using "opaque wording" in my writing?

Focus on using simple, direct language. Define any technical terms you use, and avoid unnecessary jargon. Review your writing to ensure it's easily understood.

Is "opaque wording" always negative?

While "opaque wording" usually carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of clarity, it can sometimes be used deliberately, such as in legal or diplomatic contexts where precision and potential ambiguity are desired.