to be obscured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be obscured" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is hidden, unclear, or not easily seen or understood. Example: "The details of the plan seem to be obscured by the complexity of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They therefore deserve to be obscured.

The Economist

To find them, the SEC alleged, Paulson's intentions needed to be obscured.

The Economist

The black American flags in a 1980 Jasper Johns print seem to be obscured by static.

The New York Times - Arts

When conflicts are broken down by numbers, things tend to be obscured.

The New York Times

It tends to be obscured by her bangs but, she says, "I know it's there".

The New York Times - Magazine

The fact that North Korea was highly dependent on stronger Communist powers had to be obscured.

The New Yorker

Improvements even big ones such as shorter hospital waiting times soon become facts, to be obscured by new gripes.

The Economist

I did so anonymously because I wanted to write truthfully, and that meant my children's identities had to be obscured.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His Catholicism used to be obscured by his Marxism, but, as he has aged, his religiousness, like a limp, has become more pronounced.

The New Yorker

Now he has added the Condé Nast Building, the Lehman Brothers Building, the old Met Life tower, and the Time Life Building, which used to be obscured.

The New Yorker

Throughout Oceania headhunting tended to be obscured by cannibalism, but in many islands the importance attached to the head was unmistakable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be obscured", ensure the context clearly indicates what is doing the obscuring and what is being obscured. This improves clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to be obscured" in simple sentences where more direct language would be clearer. For example, instead of "The truth needs to be obscured", consider "The truth must be hidden."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be obscured" functions as part of an infinitive verb phrase, often used within passive constructions. It describes a state of being where something is hidden, unclear, or not easily perceived. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples of this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be obscured" is a grammatically sound and versatile infinitive phrase used to describe something that is hidden, unclear, or not easily perceived. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. Appearing frequently in News & Media and Science, this expression is suitable for neutral registers. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is doing the obscuring. For more direct language in simple sentences, alternatives such as "to be hidden" or "to be concealed" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be hidden

This alternative is more direct, focusing on the act of concealing something.

to be concealed

Similar to "to be hidden", but often implies a more deliberate act of hiding.

to be veiled

Suggests a more subtle form of hiding, like covering something with a veil.

to be masked

Implies that something is being hidden by something else.

to be eclipsed

Suggests that something is overshadowed and therefore not easily seen or noticed.

to be blurred

Focuses on the lack of clarity, rather than complete concealment.

to be confused

Emphasizes the difficulty in understanding something.

to be misrepresented

Indicates that the true nature of something is not being accurately portrayed.

to be lost

This alternative suggests that something is unavailable or unattainable

to be forgotten

Implies something is no longer remembered or considered.

FAQs

How can I use "to be obscured" in a sentence?

You can use "to be obscured" to describe something that is hidden or unclear. For instance, "The details of the agreement tend "to be obscured" by legal jargon".

What are some alternatives to "to be obscured"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to be hidden", "to be concealed", or "to be veiled", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "to be obscured" or "to be hidden"?

The choice depends on the context. "To be obscured" often suggests something is partially hidden or unclear, while "to be hidden" implies a more complete concealment.

What does it mean when something is said "to be obscured"?

It means that something is not easily seen, understood, or noticed, often because something else is blocking or confusing it.