Obviously

USAGE SUMMARY

'Obviously' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to emphasize a point or statement and can be used to express something that is clear or obvious. Example sentence: Obviously, the best way to proceed is to complete the task as quickly as possible.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are obviously devastated at the loss".

The Guardian

"The time has obviously now come for us to put the case more strongly and more coherently," he said.

The Guardian

Chope asked Cameron in the first question at prime minister's questions: "Can [he] say in response to the many concerns expressed in yesterday's debate will he ensure that civil partnerships are open to heterosexual couples on an equal basis with homosexual couples?" The prime minister replied: "I will obviously listen carefully to what he says.

The Guardian

He said Kelly "did not agree" with the original minute and, when asked what comment Kelly had made when he was shown the original, Brown replied: "None, I don't think … It was obviously a minute prepared by someone who didn't have a lot of experience in writing cabinet minutes.

The Guardian

According to a "well-informed source", it "was not her strategy for world peace" that snared Clooney (obviously not – intellect is repulsive in a woman): it was that she "played hard to get".

The Guardian - Opinion

There's no reason for children to avoid caffeine drinks unless they become overactive after having them, which obviously isn't the case with your son.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We have obviously had now 11 suspected cases [of Ebola], all of which have been negative after testing," he said.

The Guardian

You'd obviously like to keep it as low as possible, and know if it's getting too long.

The Guardian

"He is just a pure striker and that is what comes out after the transfer requests and him saying: 'It's better for me to leave because I want to play Champions League.' When we heard that Arsenal might be interested in him, obviously we were up for it and we thought, 'Yeah, he would fit in.' But after, we got Özil".

The Guardian - Sport

After all, as both a former and prospective host of MTV's Punk'd, they obviously have an affinity with abject dreadfulness.

The Guardian - Film

"As I've said consistently and as the opposition has been advised, we are working with our partners who have announced support and a presence within west Africa, including obviously the US and the UK but other European and Asian partners as well, about what arrangements we could put in place if we were minded to send Australian health workers into west Africa," he said in Brisbane on Sunday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the knowledge level of your audience. What may seem "obvious" to you might not be to everyone. Provide context if needed.

Common error

Avoid using "obviously" excessively, as it can make your writing sound patronizing. Instead, let the facts speak for themselves or use more nuanced language to guide your reader.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "obviously" functions as a sentence adverb, modifying the entire clause and indicating the speaker's assessment of the information as self-evident or easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of the adverb in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

17%

Lifestyle

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obviously" is a very common adverb used to indicate something that is easily understood or apparent. As stated by Ludwig AI, this is correct and standard English. While grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts like news, sports and lifestyle, overuse should be avoided to prevent a condescending tone. Related alternatives include "evidently" and "clearly", offering similar meanings with slight nuances. Always consider your audience when employing "obviously" to ensure your message is clear and respectful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Evidently

Emphasizes that something is clear based on available evidence.

Clearly

Indicates that something is easy to perceive or understand without any ambiguity.

Plainly

Suggests that something is straightforward and easy to see or comprehend.

Patently

Highlights that something is undeniably and obviously true.

Manifestly

Similar to "evidently", but with a stronger emphasis on the clear and apparent nature of something.

Undeniably

Stresses that something cannot be denied or disputed because it is so obvious.

Indubitably

Conveys the idea that something is beyond doubt and unquestionably true.

Unquestionably

Emphasizes the certainty of something, leaving no room for doubt.

It goes without saying

Implies that something is so obvious that it doesn't need to be explicitly stated.

Of course

Indicates that something is expected or naturally follows from what has been said.

FAQs

How can I use "obviously" in a sentence?

Use "obviously" to indicate something that is easily understood or apparent. For example: "Obviously, the best solution is to address the root cause of the problem."

What are some alternatives to "obviously"?

Alternatives include "clearly", "evidently", and "plainly". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

When is it appropriate to use "obviously" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "obviously" when you want to highlight something that is self-evident or easily inferred. However, avoid using it when discussing complex or nuanced topics where the audience may not share your perspective.

Is using "obviously" considered condescending?

Overusing "obviously" can sometimes be perceived as condescending, as it implies that the information is so simple that anyone should already know it. Be mindful of your audience and use it sparingly.