a rather obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rather obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is clear or easily understood, often in a context where the obviousness is being emphasized. Example: "The solution to the problem was a rather obvious choice for anyone with experience in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This begs a rather obvious question.

The New York Times - Magazine

Eventually Limbaugh came to a rather obvious conclusion.

The New York Times - Magazine

A trio swayed in a rather obvious staring contest.

The New York Times - Arts

Its only significance is as a rather obvious visual symbol of our age of self-obsession.

Independent

It's a nice theory, but it has a rather obvious flaw.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's a rather obvious metaphor for someone who lives his life through others," she observed.

The Guardian - Books

Its disappearance is a rather obvious process; it is happening faster at some points of the world than at others.

Stanford University

Their groping is a rather obvious metaphor for their lives, as they stumble out of childhood toward what comes next.

The New York Times

At least Mr.  Romney also failed to fully take advantage of the situation with a rather obvious zinger.

The New York Times

If you clean it up a bit there should be a rather obvious large cavity going into the bone.

The Guardian

On Monday, the officials missed a rather obvious travel on Russell Westbrook, something which the NBA acknowledged the next day.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rather obvious" to politely point out something that should be easily understood or noticed, especially when addressing someone who may have overlooked it. Be mindful of tone to avoid sounding condescending.

Common error

Avoid using "a rather obvious" repeatedly in your writing, as it can make your tone seem patronizing or dismissive. Opt for synonyms or rephrase sentences to vary your language and maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rather obvious" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically used to describe a noun or situation. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it adds emphasis to the evident nature of something. This phrase is used to highlight something easily perceived or understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rather obvious" is a common adjectival phrase used to emphasize the evident nature of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's useful for pointing out easily understood facts, careful attention to tone is required to avoid sounding condescending. Alternatives such as "quite apparent" or "plain to see" can be used to vary your language. Overall, "a rather obvious" is a valuable phrase when used judiciously and with sensitivity to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite apparent

Emphasizes the clear visibility or understandability of something, differing slightly in tone.

readily apparent

Highlights the ease with which something can be noticed or understood.

patently obvious

Suggests that something is obviously true or evident.

unmistakably clear

Highlights the clarity to the point where no mistake is possible.

plain to see

Indicates that something is easily understood or visible, with a more informal tone.

clear as day

Uses a common idiom to express perfect clarity and obviousness.

crystal clear

Implies a high degree of clarity and understandability.

easily discernible

Focuses on the ability to distinguish something without difficulty.

blindingly obvious

Emphasizes the extreme obviousness of something, often with a touch of irony.

hardly subtle

Underlines the lack of subtlety, making something very noticeable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rather obvious" to describe something that is easily noticeable or understood. For example, "It was "a rather obvious mistake" that anyone could have made".

What can I say instead of "a rather obvious"?

You can use alternatives like "quite apparent", "plain to see", or "readily apparent" depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "a rather obvious"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "a rather obvious" can sometimes sound awkward. It's often better to integrate the phrase within the sentence for a smoother flow. For example, instead of "A rather obvious solution would be...", try "The solution, "a quite clear choice", would be...".

How can I avoid sounding condescending when using "a rather obvious"?

To avoid sounding condescending, ensure your tone is polite and constructive. Frame the statement as an observation rather than a judgment. For instance, instead of saying "It's a rather obvious flaw", try "Perhaps "a more noticeable aspect" is...".