be obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something should be clear or easily understood without needing further explanation. Example: "The solution to the problem should be obvious to anyone with basic knowledge of the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Shouldn't it be obvious?

The New York Times

"It should be obvious.

The New York Times - Sports

Such strategy should be obvious.

The New York Times

The choice should be obvious.

The Economist

The decision should be obvious.

The New York Times

Shouldn't that be obvious?

The New York Times - Health

That should be obvious.

The New York Times

Disruption will be obvious.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some of these findings might be obvious.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

●Be obvious, be predictable.

The Washington Post

It should be obvious by now.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be obvious", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand why something is considered obvious. Avoid using it sarcastically, as this can create confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "be obvious" when explaining complex topics, as it can sound dismissive and undermine the explanation. Instead, provide clear and detailed information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be obvious" functions as a predicative expression, where "obvious" acts as a subject complement describing the state or quality of something. It asserts that something should be easily understood or readily apparent, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be obvious" is a commonly used expression indicating that something should be easily understood or apparent. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in news and media, as well as in scientific and general contexts. While generally neutral, its use should be carefully considered in formal settings to avoid sounding dismissive. Alternatives such as ""be apparent"" or ""be clear"" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Remember to avoid overuse in complex explanations and ensure clarity when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be apparent

Replaces "obvious" with "apparent", suggesting something is easily seen or understood.

be clear

Uses "clear" instead of "obvious", implying ease of understanding.

be evident

Substitutes "obvious" with "evident", highlighting that something is easily perceived or understood.

be plain to see

This alternative is more descriptive, emphasizing the ease with which something can be observed.

be self-evident

Replaces "obvious" with "self-evident", indicating that something is clear without needing explanation.

be unmistakable

Uses "unmistakable" to show that something cannot be confused with anything else.

be readily apparent

Adds "readily" to emphasize the quick and easy understanding of something.

be beyond doubt

Expresses certainty, indicating something is unquestionable.

be a foregone conclusion

Implies that the outcome is certain and predictable, differing from simply being apparent.

be staring you in the face

A more idiomatic expression suggesting that something is very easy to notice or understand.

FAQs

How can I use "be obvious" in a sentence?

You can use "be obvious" to indicate that something is easily understood or apparent. For example, "The solution should "be obvious" once you review the data."

What are some alternatives to "be obvious"?

Alternatives to "be obvious" include phrases like "be apparent", "be clear", or "be evident". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use "be obvious"?

It's best to avoid using "be obvious" when discussing complex or sensitive topics, as it can sound condescending. In such cases, opt for more descriptive and empathetic language.

Is "be obvious" formal or informal?

"Be obvious" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it's appropriate.