an obvious place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obvious place" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a location that is clear or easily identifiable, often in a context where the location should be apparent to the reader or listener. Example: "The keys were left in an obvious place, right on the kitchen counter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An aquarium is not an obvious place to start a revolution.

The New York Times - Arts

An app felt like an obvious place to put an easy tool that put numbers in the hands of users.

Forbes

An overhaul of the H-1B is an obvious place to start.

Science Magazine

Atlanta is an obvious place to start.

The Economist

There was an obvious place of safety.

The Guardian

A cigarette was an obvious place.

The Guardian - Arts

But Europe is an obvious place to shop.

The Economist

This is an obvious place to reduce spending.

The Economist

Food markets are an obvious place to start.

The Economist

"You put the tip in an obvious place," he said.

The New York Times

The area is not an obvious place to get married.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an obvious place", ensure the context makes it genuinely clear to the audience where you are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient detail if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "an obvious place" when the location is not actually clear to the reader. This can lead to confusion and frustration. Ensure the context provides sufficient clues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obvious place" functions as a noun phrase, where "obvious" modifies "place". It specifies a location that is easily discernible or apparent. As stated by Ludwig, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an obvious place" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a location that is easily discernible. Ludwig confirms its usability, with examples spanning news, wiki, and business contexts. While versatile, ensure the location is genuinely obvious to your audience to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""a clear location"" or ""an evident spot"" can offer nuanced shades of meaning. Be mindful of overstating the obvious; clarity is key for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear location

Replaces 'obvious' with 'clear', focusing on the ease of perceiving the location.

an evident spot

Uses 'evident' to emphasize the visibility and ease of finding the location.

a conspicuous location

Highlights that the place is easily noticeable due to its prominent nature.

a readily apparent site

Emphasizes the ease with which the site can be seen and understood.

an easily identifiable spot

Focuses on the characteristic that makes the spot simple to recognize.

a self-evident location

Indicates that the location's existence or suitability is immediately clear.

a plain sight

Uses a more informal expression to indicate that something is easily visible.

a prime location

Suggests that the place is not only obvious but also ideally suited for a particular purpose.

the logical location

Implies that the location is the most sensible or reasonable choice.

the designated area

Specifies that the location has been officially chosen or assigned.

FAQs

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

You can use "an obvious place" to refer to a location that is easily noticeable or expected. For example, "The keys were left in "an obvious place", right on the kitchen counter."

What are some alternatives to "an obvious place"?

Some alternatives include "a clear location", "an evident spot", or "a conspicuous location" depending on the context.

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

It's incorrect if the location you're referring to isn't actually obvious to your audience. Misusing it can create confusion. Ensure the location is easily identifiable within the context.

What is the difference between "an obvious place" and "a hidden location"?

"An obvious place" refers to a location that is easily found or seen, while "a hidden location" refers to a place that is deliberately concealed or difficult to find. They are antonyms.