an obvious variation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an obvious variation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing differences or changes that are clear and easily recognizable. Example: "The new design is an obvious variation from the previous model, showcasing a more modern aesthetic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Teva's argument that the patents were just an obvious variation of earlier inventions "fails at every major crossroad".

The New York Times

Results show an obvious variation in the silica content with variation in sources.

Construction and Building Materials

Even Gandolfini's performance in Andrew Dominik's Killing Them Softly opposite Brad Pitt, though a great piece of work, was an obvious variation on the Soprano theme.

The Guardian

Apotex had argued that the drug clopidogrel bisulphate, a salt, was an obvious variation on another older patent held by Sanofi-Aventis.

The New York Times

The application, for a voice- and text-based search engine, was "an obvious variation" on existing ideas, a patent examiner named Raheem Hoffler wrote.

The New York Times - Tech

Judge Pender said that the aspect of the patent that was in the case covered an obvious variation of earlier inventions.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Interestingly, recent studies have not determined any obvious variation in the gene sequences of APMV-1 [ 17].

BMC Veterinary Research

It increases with increasing the freezing-thawing cycles and crack depth, and shows a most obvious variation in the 100 150 kHz frequency intervals.

Construction and Building Materials

But consider a less obvious variation on this strategy.

Forbes

These are usually found under a button called "People," or some obvious variation of that.

Science Magazine

No systematic bias was seen, but there was an obvious larger variation for smaller lesions regardless of PET parameter.

EJNMMI Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an obvious variation", ensure the context clearly establishes the baseline from which the variation is apparent to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an obvious variation" when the difference is already widely understood or inherently implied, as it can make your writing seem redundant or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an obvious variation" functions as a noun phrase, where "obvious" modifies "variation". It serves to describe a change or difference that is easily noticeable or apparent. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and frequently employed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an obvious variation" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe something easily distinguishable. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is indeed acceptable in English. Although primarily found in scientific and news contexts, and described as uncommon, its meaning is clear and its usage straightforward. When writing, be mindful to only use this phrase when the variation is, in fact, easily noticeable to avoid redundancy. Alternatives such as "a clear difference" or "a noticeable change" can be considered for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear modification

This alternative emphasizes the aspect of change or alteration being easily seen or understood.

a noticeable difference

This focuses on the aspect of dissimilarity and how easily it can be observed.

an evident alteration

This phrase stresses the alteration aspect, highlighting its readily apparent nature.

a distinct change

This highlights a clear and recognizable shift from a previous state or condition.

a manifest deviation

This emphasizes the departure from a norm or expected path, making it openly visible.

an apparent modification

This underscores that the change is visible and easily perceived.

a palpable shift

This version emphasizes the tangibility or ease of sensing the change.

a patent alteration

Focuses on how openly displayed is the change from one state to another.

a conspicuous difference

This emphasizes the quality of the difference as being highly noticeable and prominent.

a plain divergence

This stresses the act of diverging and how simply it can be noticed.

FAQs

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

Use "an obvious variation" to point out a clear difference or change. For example: "The updated model is "an obvious variation" of the original design."

What are some alternatives to "an obvious variation"?

You can use alternatives like "a clear difference", "a noticeable change", or "a distinct modification" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "an obvious variation"?

While the phrase itself is not grammatically redundant, its use can be redundant if the variation is already self-evident from the context. Ensure the variation warrants explicit mention.

What's the difference between "an obvious variation" and "a subtle variation"?

"An obvious variation" refers to a change that is easily noticeable, while "a subtle variation" indicates a change that is more delicate or difficult to perceive.