but not obviously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not obviously" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not clear or apparent at first glance, often in a context where clarity or visibility is being discussed. Example: "The solution to the problem was effective, but not obviously so at first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The driver, a young Asian man, looked shocked but not obviously injured.

The Guardian

"All my films are love stories, but not obviously so," she says.

The Guardian - Film

The suspects are, to someone who hasn't watched The Bridge, a nice collection of uneasy but not obviously guilty people.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That is a burden felt almost (but not obviously quite) as keenly as if it had been our very selves.

The Guardian - Opinion

He sings the way he dances, tossing packets of information into the air like text messages, each idea formed but not obviously connected to the next one.

The New Yorker

I've had the experience building up to this race, but not obviously on this level like it is at the Tour".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

I'm white!" she was very obviously joking about racism rather than advocating it, but still, not obviously enough.

The Guardian

The birds were distracted from feeding by the presence of objects, but were not obviously drawn to shiny over blue.

BBC

All four mutations deleted parts of the predicted coding sequence for Sans, but did not obviously alter neighboring genes.

Plosone

Concentrations of caffeoylputrescine varied over 3-fold among locations but did not obviously relate to latitude.

BMC Plant Biology

But they were not obviously threatening.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not obviously" to introduce a contrasting aspect that isn't immediately apparent, adding depth to your description or argument.

Common error

Avoid using "but not obviously" in situations where the lack of obviousness is already implied or self-evident. This can make your writing sound redundant or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not obviously" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate a quality or characteristic that is not immediately apparent. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but not obviously" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adverbial phrase, typically used to introduce a contrasting element that isn't immediately apparent. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct in the English language. It's most common in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When writing, it's best to use this phrase to add depth to a description or argument by highlighting something that is present but not immediately evident, avoiding overuse in situations where the lack of obviousness is already implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though not overtly

Similar meaning, but using "overtly" which means "openly" or "publicly."

although not explicitly

Replaces 'obviously' with 'explicitly,' focusing on the lack of direct expression.

even if subtly

Indicates a hint of something even if it is not strongly apparent.

even if subtly

Highlights the subtle nature, perhaps unexpected.

even if subtly

Focuses on the presence of some quality/action, even if it is not easily perceived.

though understated

Highlights the quality of being presented or expressed in a subtle and effective way, emphasizing a restrained style.

while being understated

Like "though understated", but in continuous form, describes a constant state or quality.

yet subtly

Focuses on the subtlety of the action or state, rather than the lack of obviousness.

albeit discreetly

Emphasizes the privacy or confidentiality associated with an action, focusing on how it is done.

even when concealed

Emphasizes that, despite being hidden, something is present or influential.

FAQs

How can I use "but not obviously" in a sentence?

Use "but not obviously" to indicate that something is true or present, but not in a clear or easily noticeable way. For example: "The plan had flaws, "but not obviously" at first glance."

What are some alternatives to "but not obviously"?

You can use alternatives like "though understated", "albeit discreetly", or "though not overtly" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "but not obviously"?

Yes, the phrase "but not obviously" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It is used to introduce a contrast that is not immediately apparent.

What is the difference between "but not obviously" and "but not clearly"?

"But not obviously" suggests something isn't immediately noticeable, while "but not clearly" suggests a lack of clarity or precision. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing a lack of immediate perception or a lack of clarity in understanding.