a no-brainer

USAGE SUMMARY

'a no-brainer' is a common phrase that can be used in written English.
It is usually used to express that something is an obvious choice or easy to decide upon. For example: "Choosing this new car was a no-brainer - it had all the features I was looking for at a great price."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— a no-brainer.

The New Yorker

It's a no-brainer".

The New York Times - Sports

A no-brainer, right?

Harvard University

That was a no-brainer".

The New York Times

It's a no-brainer savings".

The New York Times

It seems a no-brainer.

The New York Times - Sports

Broccoli rabe, a no-brainer.

The New York Times - Food

It seemed a no-brainer".

The New York Times - Food

It was a no-brainer".

The New York Times - Sports

It's almost like a no-brainer".

The New York Times

"I think it's a no-brainer".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a no-brainer" to convey that a decision is straightforward and requires minimal deliberation. It's effective in contexts where you want to emphasize the obviousness of a choice or action.

Common error

While "a no-brainer" is a useful idiom, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or simplistic. Vary your language by using synonyms like "an obvious choice" or "a foregone conclusion" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a no-brainer" primarily functions as a predicate adjective or noun complement, describing a decision, choice, or action as being obvious and requiring little thought. Ludwig AI's examples confirm this, showcasing its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a no-brainer" is a common idiom used to describe something that is an obvious choice or easy to decide upon. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, primarily in News & Media. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "an obvious choice". Remember that while helpful, overuse can diminish your writing, so vary your language to maintain reader interest. Use the various examples to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an obvious choice

Emphasizes the clarity and straightforwardness of the selection.

a foregone conclusion

Highlights the inevitability and predictability of the outcome.

plain sailing

Suggests ease and lack of difficulty in achieving something.

a piece of cake

Implies the task is easily accomplished.

easily done

Focuses on the simplicity and lack of effort required.

a cinch

Similar to "a piece of cake", highlighting effortless achievement.

a simple decision

Underscores the uncomplicated nature of the choice.

patently obvious

Emphasizes the overt and undeniable nature of something.

blindingly obvious

Suggests the clarity is so strong it's impossible to miss.

unquestionably clear

Highlights that there is no doubt or uncertainty about something.

FAQs

How can I use "a no-brainer" in a sentence?

You can use "a no-brainer" to describe a decision that is very easy to make because the best option is obvious. For example, "Choosing to accept the job offer was "a no-brainer" because it offered better pay and benefits."

What are some alternatives to "a no-brainer"?

Some alternatives include "an obvious choice", "a foregone conclusion", or "plain sailing". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a no-brainer" in formal writing?

While "a no-brainer" is widely understood, it is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more professional alternatives such as "an obvious choice" or a more detailed explanation of the decision-making process.

What does "a no-brainer" actually mean?

"A no-brainer" means that something is so obvious or easy to decide that it requires little or no thought. It is an idiom used to describe situations where the best course of action is clear.