an obvious case

USAGE SUMMARY

"an obvious case" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is clearly the case, as in, "This is an obvious case of bias."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

That's an obvious case.

The New York Times

North Korea is an obvious case in point.

The New York Times

"And 'Gruppen' is sort of an obvious case".

The New York Times - Arts

Deploying Robbie Brady at left-back was also an obvious case of prioritising creativity over solidity.

The Guardian - Sport

Coaches always preach about protecting the ball, and the Cardinals provided an obvious case study.

The New York Times - Sports

Small-business owner Laura Bird might not seem like an obvious case of fuel poverty.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

A more obvious case is that in which S is speaking a language H does not understand.

SEP

The Beatles are a similar, obvious case.

The New Yorker

The Republicans are just a more obvious case than the Democrats in 2015.

The Guardian - Opinion

A very obvious case in point is the Clifden nonpareil, whose name boldly proclaims that it is without equal entirely.

Independent

But still, this is a totally obvious case for government intervention that's staring us in the face every time we hit the road.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or formal writing, support claims of something being "an obvious case" with brief evidence or context to avoid sounding presumptive.

Common error

Avoid using "an obvious case" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a clear example" or "a straightforward instance" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obvious case" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It typically identifies something as a clear and easily recognizable instance. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an obvious case" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe situations that are easily understood or recognized. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, confirms its frequent use in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, remember to provide supporting context in formal settings and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and engagement in your writing. Consider alternative phrases like "a clear-cut instance" or "a straightforward example" to enhance variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear-cut instance

Replaces "obvious" with "clear-cut", emphasizing the lack of ambiguity.

a straightforward example

Uses "straightforward" to highlight the simplicity and ease of understanding.

an undeniable situation

Replaces "obvious" with "undeniable", stressing the lack of any doubt.

a patent illustration

Uses "patent" to emphasize the conspicuousness of the example.

a self-evident circumstance

Highlights the inherent understandability of the situation.

a transparent occurrence

Emphasizes the ease of seeing through and understanding the situation.

an unarguable demonstration

Replaces "obvious" with "unarguable," focusing on the impossibility to contest the demonstration.

a plain matter

Highlights the simplicity of the case.

an open-and-shut case

Idiomatic phrase suggesting the case is easily resolved and evident.

a textbook instance

Implies the case is a classic or standard example of something.

FAQs

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

"An obvious case" is used to describe a situation or example that is easily understood or recognized. For instance, "The need for clean water in developing countries is "an obvious case" of a global health priority".

What can I say instead of "an obvious case"?

You can use alternatives like "a clear-cut instance", "a straightforward example", or "an undeniable situation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "an obvious case" or "a clear case"?

Both "an obvious case" and "a clear case" are acceptable. "An obvious case" emphasizes that the situation is easily recognized, while "a clear case" emphasizes the lack of ambiguity. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "an obvious case" and "an extreme case"?

"An obvious case" refers to something that is easily understood, whereas "an extreme case" refers to something that is unusual or severe. They are not interchangeable; one highlights clarity, while the other highlights exceptionality.