an obvious advantage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obvious advantage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a clear benefit or positive aspect of a situation, product, or decision. Example: "One of the reasons we chose this software is that it offers an obvious advantage in terms of user-friendliness."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither should hold an obvious advantage either.

The New York Times

Good communication skills are an obvious advantage.

The Guardian

Simply put, it gives larger parties an obvious advantage.

The Guardian

Going abroad has an obvious advantage for the undercover officers.

The Guardian

Its location is an obvious advantage over New York.

The Economist

It eliminates the need to use heat sealing in the field - an obvious advantage," says Bange.

Columbia University

A right of first refusal can be an obvious advantage if your financial circumstances later change.

Harvard University

The chance to cook and eat at home is an obvious advantage of a rental.

The New York Times - Travel

These models often allow a rigorous mathematical analysis, an obvious advantage for theory.

Ecology, Genetics and Evolution of Metapopulations

Hospitals in English-speaking countries offer an obvious advantage for Americans.

The New York Times

Others prefer mechanical compound bows, which shoot farther and faster — an obvious advantage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an obvious advantage", clearly state what that advantage is and why it matters in the given context. Providing specific details will strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "an obvious advantage" to describe something trivial or already widely understood. This can weaken your credibility and make your writing seem less insightful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obvious advantage" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'obvious' modifies 'advantage'. According to Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used. It highlights a clear and apparent benefit or superiority. The adjective 'obvious' emphasizes the readily noticeable nature of the advantage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an obvious advantage" is a common and grammatically correct way to highlight a clear benefit or superior quality. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely used across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify the advantage and its importance. Alternatives like "a clear benefit" or "a distinct advantage" can be used for variety. Avoid overstating the obvious or using the phrase for trivial matters to maintain credibility. Recognizing these nuances will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear benefit

Replaces "advantage" with "benefit" and "obvious" with "clear", emphasizing the positive aspect.

a distinct advantage

Substitutes "obvious" with "distinct", suggesting a noticeable difference.

a significant benefit

Replaces "advantage" with "benefit" and "obvious" with "significant", highlighting the importance.

a considerable edge

Uses "edge" instead of "advantage", conveying a slight superiority.

a marked superiority

Replaces "advantage" with "superiority" and "obvious" with "marked", emphasizing a clear dominance.

a notable strength

Substitutes "advantage" with "strength" and "obvious" with "notable", focusing on a positive attribute.

a key asset

Replaces "advantage" with "asset", highlighting something valuable and useful.

a major selling point

Uses business-oriented vocabulary to emphasize a key feature.

a trump card

Implies a decisive advantage that can ensure success.

a game changer

Suggests a significant advantage that fundamentally alters the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "an obvious advantage" in a sentence?

You can use "an obvious advantage" to point out a clear benefit or superior quality. For instance, "The new software has "an obvious advantage" in terms of user-friendliness."

What are some alternatives to "an obvious advantage"?

Alternatives include "a clear benefit", "a distinct advantage", or "a significant benefit". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "very obvious advantage"?

Using "very obvious advantage" can be redundant because "obvious" already implies a high degree of clarity. Consider using alternatives that emphasize the degree of benefit, such as "a significant advantage".

When is it appropriate to use "an obvious advantage" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "an obvious advantage" in formal writing when you need to clearly and directly state a key benefit. Be sure to provide specific details to support your claim and avoid overusing the phrase.