somewhat obscure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat obscure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not well-known or is difficult to understand to a certain extent. Example: "The author's earlier works are somewhat obscure, making it challenging for new readers to appreciate his later successes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Granted, it was somewhat obscure.

The New Yorker

Loki's status in pre-Christian Scandinavia remains somewhat obscure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Why raise such a fuss over a somewhat obscure concept?

The New York Times

Election courts are a somewhat obscure 1868 invention of Parliament.

The Guardian

The trio's somewhat obscure toasts were to the future.

The New Yorker

It's the name of an exquisite, somewhat obscure track by a songwriter named Chris Bell.

The New Yorker

Ms. Powell's quietly charged performance renders her character's somewhat obscure motivations believable.

The New York Times

The nature of the fraud was somewhat obscure, even, at that point, to the S.E.C.

The New Yorker

The case also touches on the somewhat obscure but contested issue of direct licensing.

The New York Times

The world of terrorism experts is small and has heretofore been somewhat obscure.

The New Yorker

From a somewhat obscure antiquity, the game attained worldwide popularity, especially in the 20th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat obscure" when you want to convey that something is not widely known or understood, but not entirely hidden or incomprehensible. It suggests a partial lack of clarity or familiarity.

Common error

While "somewhat obscure" is acceptable, excessive use can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives like "relatively unfamiliar" or "partially unknown" to add nuance and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat obscure" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is not entirely clear, well-known, or easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "somewhat obscure" is a versatile adjectival modifier that indicates a partial lack of clarity or familiarity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academia. While alternatives like "partially unknown" or "slightly vague" exist, "somewhat obscure" offers a balanced tone suitable for formal and neutral registers. When employing this phrase, remember to avoid overuse and consider the specific nuance you aim to convey, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

partially unknown

Emphasizes the lack of complete knowledge or familiarity.

slightly vague

Focuses on the lack of clarity or precision.

relatively unfamiliar

Highlights the lack of common knowledge or experience.

moderately unclear

Stresses the limited degree of clarity.

somewhat ambiguous

Indicates that the subject has more than one possible interpretation.

kind of hazy

Implies that subject may not be clear and distinct.

a bit murky

Suggests a lack of transparency and clarity.

rather indistinct

Indicates a lack of clear definition or boundaries.

not entirely obvious

Focuses on the lack of immediate or easy understanding.

fairly undefined

Emphasizes the lack of specific characteristics or parameters.

FAQs

How to use "somewhat obscure" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat obscure" to describe topics, figures, or concepts that are not widely known or easily understood. For example, "The details of the agreement remained "somewhat obscure" even after the press conference."

What can I say instead of "somewhat obscure"?

You can use alternatives like "partially unknown", "slightly vague", or "relatively unfamiliar" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "somewhat obscure" or "a little obscure"?

Both "somewhat obscure" and "a little obscure" are correct, but "somewhat obscure" is generally considered more formal and precise, while "a little obscure" is more casual.

What's the difference between "somewhat obscure" and "completely unknown"?

"Somewhat obscure" implies a partial lack of knowledge or understanding, while "completely unknown" suggests that something is entirely unfamiliar and without any prior recognition.