can obviously be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can obviously be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is clear or evident in a particular context. Example: "The results of the experiment can obviously be interpreted in multiple ways, depending on the perspective of the researcher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that's not always bad. "Retribution can obviously be adaptive," he says.

The New York Times

They can obviously be good, but emotionally I'd like to feel I'm getting the best a producer has to offer.

The New York Times - Food

Being forbidden to write about the one Broadway show everyone is chattering about can obviously be frustrating.

The New York Times

"However, it can obviously be a public safety issue, so we are currently looking into the problem.

The New York Times

I'm moaning now about not riding but, in a way, I'm very lucky - head injuries can obviously be very dangerous".

The Guardian - Sport

A1: Your thesis will be emailed to the Graduate Division, which can obviously be done from anywhere there is an internet connection.

University of California, Berkeley

A1: Your manuscript will be uploaded to the ProQuest website, which can obviously be done from anywhere there is an internet connection.

University of California, Berkeley

Mental properties, such as being conscious and being in pain, can obviously be shared by many people and animals and, much more controversially, perhaps also by machines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They can be spontaneous and immediate, as are the hoots and cheers of sports fans, but they can obviously be more eloquent, articulate, and deliberate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some nicknames can obviously be harmless or even be viewed as a term of endearment, the way a parent would call a child a "rug rat".

The New York Times

The on-the-job training you get as a parent can obviously be stressful, but in the first few days I found it utterly stimulating.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can obviously be" to highlight points that are easily understood or logically follow from the presented information, enhancing clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "can obviously be" when discussing nuanced or complex topics where assumptions might not be universally shared. Overusing it can alienate readers who may not find the points as self-evident as you do.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can obviously be" functions as a modal phrase used to express a degree of certainty or expectation about a possibility or outcome. It indicates that something is not only possible but also highly probable or easily inferred. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can obviously be" is a versatile modal phrase used to indicate that something is highly probable or easily inferred. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While highly valuable for pointing out clear connections, it should be used judiciously in complex arguments to avoid alienating readers. Consider alternatives like "is clearly evident" or "it goes without saying" to tailor your message for optimal clarity and impact. Always be mindful of your audience and the context to ensure your writing remains clear and convincing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is clearly evident

Emphasizes the clarity and visibility of the evidence.

is plainly apparent

Highlights the straightforward and easily noticeable quality.

is patently obvious

Stresses the self-evident nature of something, implying it requires no proof.

is manifestly clear

Suggests something is unmistakably and undeniably evident.

is undoubtedly true

Focuses on the certainty and lack of doubt surrounding a statement.

is certainly the case

Affirms the truth or reality of a situation with confidence.

it's self-explanatory

Implies something is easy to understand without further explanation.

it goes without saying

Indicates something is so obvious it doesn't need to be explicitly stated.

it stands to reason

Suggests something is logical and follows naturally from known facts.

it's a foregone conclusion

Implies the result or outcome is already determined and inevitable.

FAQs

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

Use "can obviously be" to introduce a point that is easily inferred or understood from the context. For example, "The consequences of neglecting safety protocols can obviously be severe".

What are some alternatives to "can obviously be"?

You can use alternatives like "is clearly evident", "is patently obvious", or "it goes without saying" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "can clearly be" or "can obviously be"?

Both "can clearly be" and "can obviously be" are acceptable, but "can clearly be" might be preferred in more formal contexts where "obviously" could be perceived as condescending. The choice depends on your audience and the tone you want to set.

When should I avoid using "can obviously be" in my writing?

Avoid using "can obviously be" when presenting complex or controversial arguments where assumptions might not be shared. It's better to provide explicit reasoning instead of implying that a point is self-evident when it may not be.