an obvious fact

USAGE SUMMARY

"an obvious fact" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize that a statement is self-evident, indisputable, or widely accepted. For example, "It is an obvious fact that humans need oxygen to survive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

This is an obvious fact.

The Guardian - Tech

Yet the television coverage of protests obscured an obvious fact.

The Economist

And, for Mr Lee, that talent is hereditary was an obvious fact.

The Economist

Sports lovers find such moments irresistible, claiming the connection as an obvious fact.

The Guardian - Sport

As if he was stating an obvious fact that had yet to be said out loud.

The Guardian - Sport

I read it and realized an obvious fact: I had not been in my right mind.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

That's a glaringly obvious fact, not a system of guidelines.

Huffington Post

A very obvious fact, yet a marvelous thing to keep in mind.

Vice

Big rallies will coincide with the Supreme Court's arguments, but the furore belies an increasingly obvious fact.

The Economist

The Tories do not have a majority in the Commons, a blindingly obvious fact that seems to escape many of them.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was pointing out a pretty obvious fact.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider rephrasing with more precise language if the "obvious fact" requires a deeper level of nuance to avoid sounding condescending to the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "an obvious fact" to introduce information that is not actually obvious to your target audience. This can alienate readers and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obvious fact" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or appositive. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to introduce statements that are widely accepted or easily understood. For instance, "It is an obvious fact that humans need oxygen to survive."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an obvious fact" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase designed to present information as self-evident and widely accepted. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is generally correct. While commonly found in news and media, it also appears in scientific and formal business contexts. When using "an obvious fact", be mindful of your audience and the potential for oversimplification. If you're looking for alternatives, consider options like "a self-evident truth" or "a clear fact" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a self-evident truth

Emphasizes the inherent truth and requires no proof, making it slightly stronger than the original phrase.

an undeniable truth

Stresses the impossibility of denying the statement's truth, lending a more forceful tone.

a clear fact

Highlights the lack of ambiguity or confusion surrounding the fact, offering a direct alternative.

a well-known fact

Focuses on the widespread awareness of the fact, shifting the emphasis from obviousness to common knowledge.

an indisputable fact

Asserts that the fact cannot be argued against or questioned, adding a layer of authority.

a patent fact

Stresses the easiness to be perceived and understood, similar to obvious but a more formal version.

a plain fact

Simple and straightforward, suggesting the fact is easy to see and understand, with less emphasis.

an open secret

Implies that while technically not explicitly stated, the fact is widely known and understood.

a given

Presents the fact as something that is assumed or accepted without question, simplifying the expression.

a truism

Refers to a self-evident or obvious truth, often repeated or cliché, which can be more dismissive.

FAQs

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

You can use "an obvious fact" to introduce a statement that is generally known and accepted. For example, "An obvious fact is that regular exercise is beneficial for health.

What are some alternatives to "an obvious fact"?

Some alternatives include "a self-evident truth", "a clear fact", or "a well-known fact", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It is appropriate to use "an obvious fact" when you want to emphasize a point that is widely understood or to establish a common ground with your audience before moving on to more complex ideas.

Is it ever incorrect to use "an obvious fact"?

Using "an obvious fact" can be problematic if the so-called obvious fact is not actually known or accepted by your audience, or if it oversimplifies a more complex issue. In such cases, it can come across as condescending or dismissive.