sounds obscure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sounds obscure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is not clear or easily understandable. For example: "His explanation of the process sounds obscure; can you explain it in simpler terms?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It sounds obscure but it isn't.

The Guardian

It is trying to stop websites that allow users to search for products across a variety of online auction services from gaining access to its auction database.The issue sounds obscure.

The Economist

On January 30th America's Commerce Department put forward proposals that have infuriated some of the old hands who have long run the Internet as well as those who see this as a job for international agreement.The issue sounds obscure.

The Economist

SOME of our coverage of the German election on September 22nd has focused on something that sounds obscure, forbidding and boring to many of our readers around the world: coalition mathematics.

The Economist

Most of the contestants have spent months studying and drilling, using Scrabble tiles, homemade crossword puzzles, computer programs and private tutors; but even the best prepared can be snared by deceptive vowel sounds, obscure etymologies and sheer nerves.

The New York Times

It sounds obscure to those not familiar with parliament, but that change in power from government appointment to election by Parliament is an immense change here.Bagehot: The periphery that has always sustained a strong centre, the prime minister's office, has been weakened and devolution and e-technology are not going to fix that.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

While that may sound obscure, the decision in Koontz v.

The New York Times

The terms of the argument sound obscure to most modern ears.

The Economist

"But the publisher quite rightly pointed out that it sounded obscure, negative and could be mistaken for coitus interruptus".

The Guardian

Many spiritual leaders can sound obscure and platitudinous at once, as if they were simultaneously translating their message from some inner Tibetan original – the Dalai Lama really is.

The Guardian

The connection may sound obscure, but as David Bowers of Absolute Strategy Research in London notes, there is a surprising correlation between the pace of truck sales and the ability of stocks to outperform bonds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sounds obscure" when you want to convey that something is difficult to understand or lacks clarity, but avoid overusing it in formal writing; consider more precise synonyms depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "sounds obscure" when you want to describe something simply unknown or unfamiliar; "obscure" implies a lack of inherent clarity, not merely a lack of knowledge on the part of the listener.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sounds obscure" functions as a subjective assessment, where "sounds" acts as a copular verb linking the subject to the adjective "obscure". It indicates that something gives the impression of being unclear or difficult to understand. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sounds obscure" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for conveying that something is difficult to understand. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for expressing a subjective impression of a lack of clarity. Its usage is most common in news and media contexts, and less frequent in academic or highly formal settings. Alternatives such as "seems unclear" or "appears vague" can be used to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a genuine lack of clarity, rather than simply unfamiliarity with a topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems unclear

Replaces "sounds" with "seems" and "obscure" with "unclear", making it slightly more direct.

appears vague

Changes the verb to "appears" and uses the adjective "vague" instead of "obscure", softening the tone.

is difficult to grasp

Focuses on the difficulty in understanding, rather than the inherent obscurity.

lacks clarity

Directly points out the absence of clarity, rather than commenting on the impression it gives.

feels ambiguous

Uses "feels" and "ambiguous" to emphasize the lack of clarity and multiple interpretations.

rings hollow

Offers a more figurative alternative, suggesting insincerity or lack of substance in addition to a lack of clarity.

presents opaqueness

Emphasizes a lack of transparency or understanding; more formal.

comes across as perplexing

Focuses on the perplexing nature, highlighting confusion caused.

has an air of mystery

Shifts the focus to a mysterious quality, rather than just a lack of clarity.

is shrouded in vagueness

Suggests that the obscurity is intentionally created or hidden.

FAQs

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

You can use "sounds obscure" to describe something that is difficult to understand or lacks clarity. For example, "The legal jargon in the contract "sounds obscure" to me".

What can I say instead of "sounds obscure"?

You can use alternatives like "seems unclear", "appears vague", or "is difficult to grasp" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "sounds obscure" or "sound obscure"?

"Sounds obscure" is correct because "sounds" is the third-person singular present indicative form of the verb "sound", agreeing with an implied singular subject (e.g., "it").

What's the difference between "sounds obscure" and "sounds confusing"?

"Sounds obscure" suggests a lack of clarity or difficulty in understanding, while "sounds confusing" implies that something is disorienting or bewildering. Something that "sounds obscure" may require more explanation, while something that sounds confusing might need to be restructured or simplified.