an obvious idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obvious idea" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a concept or thought that is clear and easily understood by most people. Example: "The proposal to improve public transportation was seen as an obvious idea by the community, given the increasing traffic congestion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Why is it such an obvious idea?

The New York Times - Tech

It's such an obvious idea".

The Guardian

"Upon reflection, it's an obvious idea.

The New York Times - Arts

"It seems like an obvious idea but it takes 15 years".

The New York Times - Arts

Using a robot for such harrowing work may seem like an obvious idea.

The New York Times

It's such an obvious idea, but then the best ones are.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

And it seemed like such a simple, obvious idea: a deeper examination of a couple in a funny, uncensored way.

The New Yorker

Created for Netflix by Peter Morgan (who has royal form after The Queen and The Audience), it's both an ingenious and a blindingly obvious idea: Downton toff-porn but with political heft – a real-life Game of Thrones.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

On paper, it looks like a blindingly obvious idea: take a version of a wind turbine and plant it on the seabed so that its blades spin in the flow of the tides and so generate electricity.

BBC

But this is a film with a crushingly obvious idea, "so campy it reflexively sends an elbow to its own ribs" (Mitchell).

The New York Times

"... it comes naturally to the simple man of today to think of a dualistic relationship between mind and matter as an extremely obvious idea...

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an obvious idea" when you want to emphasize that a concept is easily understood or apparent to most people. It's particularly effective in situations where the simplicity of the idea contrasts with a surprising lack of prior implementation or recognition.

Common error

Avoid using "an obvious idea" sarcastically or dismissively, as it can come across as condescending. Instead, focus on why the idea might have been overlooked or the challenges in its implementation, even if the core concept seems simple.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obvious idea" functions as a noun phrase, where 'obvious' modifies 'idea'. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a concept that is easily understood or apparent. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to a concept easily understood.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an obvious idea" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a concept that is easily understood and apparent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources. While its register is generally neutral, it is important to avoid using it sarcastically. Consider alternatives like "a clear concept" or "a straightforward thought" for different nuances. Remember to emphasize the simplicity and clarity of the idea without being condescending.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear concept

Emphasizes the clarity and ease of understanding of the concept.

a self-evident notion

Highlights that the idea requires no further explanation or proof.

a straightforward thought

Focuses on the simplicity and directness of the idea.

a simple concept

Stresses the lack of complexity in the concept.

an easy conclusion

Suggests that the idea is reached without difficulty.

a plain truth

Highlights the undisguised and evident nature of the idea.

a transparent concept

Suggests that the idea is easily seen through and understood.

a readily apparent idea

Emphasizes how quickly and easily the idea becomes visible or clear.

an uncomplicated thought

Focuses on the lack of difficulty or complexity.

a patent solution

Emphasizes how obvious the solution is.

FAQs

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

You can use "an obvious idea" to describe a concept that seems clear and easily understandable, such as, "Implementing a customer feedback system seemed like "an obvious idea", yet it took years for the company to adopt it."

What are some alternatives to "an obvious idea"?

Some alternatives include "a clear concept", "a simple concept", or "a straightforward thought", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "an obvious idea"?

While "obvious" inherently implies clarity, using ""an obvious idea"" can add emphasis to the simplicity or self-evidence of the concept, especially when highlighting a missed opportunity or a surprisingly simple solution.

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

It's appropriate to use ""an obvious idea"" when you want to point out the clarity and simplicity of a concept, often in contrast to the complexity of a problem or situation, or to suggest something was overlooked despite its apparent simplicity.