but obviously

USAGE SUMMARY

"but obviously" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is self-evident or easy to understand. For example, "I'm not an expert in the legal system, but obviously the judge's decision was correct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But obviously that's changed.

The New York Times

But obviously not.

The New Yorker

But obviously, that doesn't work.

The New York Times - Tech

"But obviously, egos are big.

The New York Times - Sports

"But obviously that's not enough".

The New York Times - Sports

"But obviously we are aware".

The New York Times

But obviously someone else did".

The New York Times

But obviously, Gandhi dressed better".

The New York Times

But obviously humans differ.

The New York Times

But obviously they're not.

The Guardian

But obviously I did.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but obviously" to transition smoothly from a previous statement to a conclusion that logically follows and is easily understood. This can enhance the flow of your writing and avoid unnecessary elaboration on self-evident points.

Common error

While "but obviously" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Over-reliance can make your writing sound condescending or lacking in subtlety. Consider using more nuanced phrasing, like "it is clear" or "it is evident", to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but obviously" functions as a discourse marker or transitional phrase. It connects two clauses, signaling that the second clause is a logical and self-evident consequence or continuation of the first. Ludwig confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but obviously" is a common and grammatically sound conjunction phrase used to connect related ideas where the connection is self-evident. As indicated by Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news and media, maintaining a neutral register. While versatile, exercise caution in highly formal writing and be mindful of potential condescension. For alternative phrasings, consider options like "but it's clear" or "but of course" to fine-tune your message. The examples found by Ludwig show a consistent usage across different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but it's clear

Replaces "obviously" with "it's clear", focusing on the clarity of the statement.

but it's apparent

Substitutes "obviously" with "it's apparent", highlighting the evident nature of the information.

but it goes without saying

Emphasizes the self-evident nature of the statement, implying that further explanation is unnecessary.

but of course

Offers a slightly more casual alternative, indicating agreement or expectation.

but naturally

Similar to "of course" but with a stronger emphasis on the logical or expected outcome.

but as you can imagine

Invites the listener or reader to infer the obvious conclusion based on the provided information.

but it stands to reason

Highlights the logical connection and predictability of the statement.

but as expected

Focuses on the lack of surprise or the predictable nature of the situation.

but plainly

Emphasizes the directness and lack of ambiguity in the statement.

but evidently

Indicates that the statement is clear based on available evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "but obviously" in a sentence?

"But obviously" is typically used to connect a previous statement to something that logically follows and is easily understood. For example, "The team lost its star player, but obviously, their performance declined".

What are some alternatives to "but obviously"?

Alternatives include "but of course", "but naturally", or "but it's clear". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "but obviously"?

Yes, avoid using "but obviously" in situations where the point is not truly obvious to everyone, or when addressing someone who might be sensitive to perceived condescension. Also, overuse can diminish its impact.

What's the difference between "but obviously" and "but clearly"?

Both phrases indicate something is easily understood, but "but obviously" implies the information is self-evident, while "but clearly" suggests that the information is easily understood due to the explanation or evidence provided.