an obvious point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obvious point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is clear or easily understood by most people. Example: "While discussing the topic, she made an obvious point that everyone in the room already knew."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Forgive me an obvious point.

Independent

It is an obvious point to raise.

The Guardian - Business

Unfortunately, he misses an obvious point.

The Guardian - Money

Dalí was an obvious point of reference here.

The New York Times

It was an obvious point — who would disagree?

The New York Times - Sports

This seems an obvious point, but it isn't.

The Guardian

It's an obvious point but a powerful one.

The Guardian - Opinion

The disaffected are not the wealthy, an obvious point that conservatives can't seem to understand.

The New York Times

But why? "Because," she says, as if it's an obvious point, "it's like the Portuguese".

Independent

He gets annoyed at the stupidity of his followers, their inability to grasp an obvious point.

The New Yorker

This would seem to be an obvious point; I like bacon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an obvious point", consider if the audience truly finds it obvious. If there's a chance of misinterpretation or lack of awareness, briefly elaborate to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "an obvious point" to introduce genuinely complex or nuanced ideas. Overusing the phrase can patronize your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obvious point" functions as a discourse marker. It is used to introduce or highlight information that the speaker or writer believes is easily understood or should be readily apparent to the audience. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts to signal the introduction of a seemingly self-evident idea.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an obvious point" is a commonly used discourse marker to introduce seemingly self-evident information, aiming to establish common ground and emphasize key ideas. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples, indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted across various contexts, including news, business, and scientific writing. While seemingly straightforward, using "an obvious point" effectively involves considering the audience's understanding and avoiding overstatement. Alternatives like "a clear indication" or "a plain fact" can provide subtle variations in emphasis. The phrase's neutrality makes it suitable for diverse audiences, and its frequent use highlights its value in structuring arguments and explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a patent observation

Similar to obvious, this stresses that the observation is readily apparent.

a plain fact

Stresses the simplicity and lack of complexity in a statement.

an undeniable fact

Focuses on the impossibility of disputing or rejecting the information.

a self-evident truth

Highlights the unquestionable nature of a fact or principle.

a straightforward idea

Indicates an uncomplicated and easily grasped concept.

an indisputable aspect

Focuses on the certainty and lack of debate surrounding a particular element.

a clear indication

Emphasizes the clarity and unambiguity of a sign or signal, rather than a statement.

a logical conclusion

Highlights the fact that the point is a result of sound reasoning.

an elementary principle

Implies the idea is a starting point or foundation for further understanding.

a basic concept

Highlights the fundamental nature of the idea being presented.

FAQs

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

You can use "an obvious point" to introduce something that might be overlooked, but is essential for understanding, for example: "Let's start with an obvious point: This is not an election about Tony Blair."

What are some alternatives to saying "an obvious point"?

Alternatives include "a clear indication", "a plain fact", or "a self-evident truth", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to state "an obvious point"?

While the phrase acknowledges the self-evident nature of the information, it can be useful to highlight a foundational idea that might be taken for granted or overlooked, especially when building an argument or explaining a complex topic.

What is the difference between "an obvious point" and "a subtle point"?

"An obvious point" refers to something easily understood, while "a subtle point" refers to something nuanced and requiring careful consideration. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize clarity or complexity.