Plainly obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Plainly obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is very clear or evident without any doubt. Example: "The solution to the problem was plainly obvious to everyone in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

But, in fact, tensions between "minority" groups could soon be more plainly obvious than any solidarity.

The New York Times

This is not conspiracy theory — it's plainly obvious to anyone examining the situation.

The New York Times

More recently, the league introduced replay options for home runs, admitting the plainly obvious fact that umpires sometimes need help.

The New Yorker

"It will be plainly obvious to the traveling public who has this and who doesn't," Mr. Maruster said.

The New York Times

For Enatsu, the explanation is plainly obvious: "The biggest reason is Lotte changed managers from Valentine to Nishimura" and "Rakuten's troubles stem from the exact opposite move".

The New York Times - Sports

Ostensibly undertaken to protect Mr. Libeskind's interests, these tactics may actually have prevented him from seeing what to me is plainly obvious.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Now plainly, the most obvious way to cut your chances of dying from smoking would be to stop smoking.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was plainly disoriented, and it was obvious to everyone who saw him that he had just passed through the crossing.

The New Yorker

Add to those CV items the fact that Haw's Princeton thesis was about the relationship between architecture and music, and it becomes obvious that Atmos is plainly not a standard-issue design practice.

Independent

Thus we move from an obvious semantic fact that "good" is plainly meaningful to a much more contentious metaphysical claim that there is a corresponding property of goodness.

SEP

Put plainly, the double standard at play here is obvious.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plainly obvious" to underscore the self-evident nature of a statement, lending weight to your argument or observation. It can be particularly effective when addressing something others may have overlooked.

Common error

Avoid using "plainly obvious" as a substitute for evidence in intricate discussions. While it can highlight a clear point, it shouldn't replace thorough explanation or factual support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plainly obvious" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It serves to describe something as being easily seen, understood, or recognized. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plainly obvious" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something easily understood or evident. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adjectival phrase used to emphasize clarity. While suitable for various contexts, its usage is most frequent in news and media, lending a neutral tone to communications. Related alternatives such as "plainly apparent" or "patently obvious" offer subtle variations in emphasis. When employing the phrase, ensure it complements, rather than substitutes, supporting evidence, particularly in complex discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly obvious

Emphasizes the clarity and easiness to notice of something.

plainly apparent

Focuses on the clear visibility or manifestation of something.

plainly evident

Stresses that something is easily noticeable and serves as proof.

plainly discernible

Emphasizes ease of perception or recognition.

plainly noticeable

Highlights that something is easily seen or detected.

bluntly obvious

Emphasizes a direct and sometimes unsubtle clarity.

patently obvious

Indicates that something is undeniably and unmistakably clear.

manifestly obvious

Stresses that something is unmistakably apparent.

explicitly obvious

Highlights that something is clear and without any vagueness.

frankly obvious

Indicates something is clear and straightforward.

FAQs

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

Use "plainly obvious" to describe something easily understood or evident. For example, "It was "plainly obvious" that the team needed a new strategy after their losing streak".

What are some alternatives to "plainly obvious"?

You can use phrases like "clearly evident", "patently obvious", or "bluntly obvious" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "plainly obvious" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is easily understood and requires little explanation. Use it sparingly to avoid sounding condescending.

Is "plainly obvious" considered formal or informal language?

"Plainly obvious" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing your words.