an obvious one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obvious one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is clear or easily understood, often in a context where the speaker believes the point should be self-evident. Example: "When discussing the benefits of exercise, the importance of physical health is an obvious one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"To misquote Betjeman: 'Come friendly bombs drop on Slough.' The point is an obvious one".

The Guardian

The solution that I ultimately touched on would seem, to most, like such an obvious one.

Huffington Post

John Major is an obvious one.

The Guardian - Opinion

But suits is an obvious one.

The Guardian - Sport

Jonathan Ross, I suggest, would have been an obvious one.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Abuse of police power, that's an obvious one.

The New York Times - Tech

The danger to Obama is an obvious one.

The New Yorker

Favorite architect Le Corbusier, clearly, but that's an obvious one.

The New York Times - Magazine

Very much so, but not an obvious one.

The Guardian - Film

It's an obvious one but physical exercise is important.

The Guardian

This project wasn't necessarily an obvious one for him.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an obvious one" when you want to emphasize that something should be easily understood or recognized, but avoid overusing it, as it can sometimes sound condescending. Consider the audience and context to ensure it doesn't come across as dismissive.

Common error

While "an obvious one" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "a clear indication" or "a self-evident truth" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "an obvious one" is to act as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It identifies or describes a previously mentioned noun or idea as being easily understood or apparent. Ludwig examples confirm its common usage in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an obvious one" is a common phrase used to emphasize that something is easily understood or readily apparent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider the audience and context, opting for more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. Remember to avoid overuse and be mindful of potential condescension. Consider alternatives such as "a clear indication" or "a self-evident truth" for a more sophisticated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a self-evident truth

Emphasizes the quality of being true without needing proof.

a plain fact

Underscores the simplicity and lack of complexity of the information.

a simple explanation

Stresses the ease of comprehension of a rationale.

a clear indication

Highlights the aspect of pointing something out unmistakably.

a patent reality

Focuses on the undeniable and conspicuous nature of something real.

a straightforward answer

Highlights the directness and ease of understanding of a response.

an inevitable outcome

Stresses the unavoidable nature of a result.

an easy solution

Emphasizes the lack of difficulty in resolving an issue.

a foregone conclusion

Focuses on the certainty and predictability of the outcome.

a transparent motive

Highlights the openness and lack of hidden agendas in someone's intentions.

FAQs

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

You can use "an obvious one" to refer to something that is easily understood or apparent. For example, "The benefit of regular exercise is "an obvious one": improved physical health."

What are some alternatives to "an obvious one"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a clear indication", "a self-evident truth", or "a straightforward answer".

Is it appropriate to use "an obvious one" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "an obvious one" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "an obvious one" and "an apparent one"?

"An obvious one" implies something is easily understood and evident, while "an apparent one" suggests something is visible or easily perceived, but not necessarily understood. The former carries a stronger connotation of clarity and self-evidence.