Patently obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Patently obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is clearly and unmistakably evident or apparent. Example: "The solution to the problem was patently obvious to everyone in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I asked M-CAM to run EMG's patent through its Patently Obvious database, which compares claims across millions of patents.

TechCrunch

"That's patently obvious.

The New York Times

The result is now patently obvious.

The Economist

"It's patently obvious I can't predict my own future.

The Economist

"The meaning of that is patently obvious," he said.

The Guardian

Could anything be more patently obvious without any research?

The New York Times

That project's forced wit and laborious execution are echt Kippenberger: faintly amusing and patently obvious.

The New Yorker

It is patently obvious that there is much to celebrate regarding recent HIV breakthroughs.

Independent

It was patently obvious that Higgins and his manager, Pat Mooney, had been set up.

The Guardian

It's just patently obvious that in this case, what the owner is doing is not fair".

The New York Times

That's patently obvious and to deny that is to deny reality".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patently obvious" to emphasize that something is not just obvious, but undeniably and unmistakably so. This can add emphasis to your point.

Common error

While "patently obvious" is widely accepted, overuse in informal settings may sound overly formal or pretentious. Consider simpler alternatives like "obviously" or "clearly" for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patently obvious" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates that the quality being described is readily and undeniably apparent. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "patently obvious" is a common and grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to describe something undeniably clear and apparent. According to Ludwig, it enjoys widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its formality is generally neutral, caution should be exercised in very informal settings. The related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar clarity, and understanding common errors can help writers use the phrase effectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, the meaning of this phrase is widely understood and its usage is accepted in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Abundantly obvious

Emphasizes the plentiful and clear nature of the obviousness.

Clearly evident

Highlights the clear and easily seen nature of the evidence.

Plainly apparent

Focuses on the straightforward and easily noticeable aspect.

Blatantly obvious

Stresses the offensively conspicuous nature of the obviousness.

Undeniably clear

Highlights the impossibility of denying the clarity of something.

Unquestionably apparent

Emphasizes that the appearance is beyond any doubt.

Readily apparent

Indicates the ease with which something becomes apparent.

Easily understood

Focuses on the simplicity of comprehension.

Evidently clear

Stresses that something is clear based on the evidence.

Manifestly evident

Highlights the undeniably obvious nature of the evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "patently obvious" in a sentence?

You can use "patently obvious" to describe something that is clearly and unmistakably evident. For example, "It was "patently obvious" that he was lying."

What is a synonym for "patently obvious"?

Synonyms for "patently obvious" include "abundantly obvious", "clearly evident", or "plainly apparent".

Is it better to say "patently obvious" or "obviously"?

"Patently obvious" is more emphatic than "obviously". Use "patently obvious" when you want to stress the undeniable nature of something. If you're simply stating something is clear, "obviously" may be sufficient.

What is the difference between "patently obvious" and "blatantly obvious"?

"Patently obvious" suggests something is undeniably clear. "Blatantly obvious" implies that something is not only obvious but also done in an offensive or shameless way. For example, "It was "patently obvious" he was nervous", versus "It was "blatantly obvious" that he was trying to cheat".