doing the obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing the obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to actions or decisions that are clear or evident to most people. Example: "In this situation, we should focus on doing the obvious and addressing the main issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

But sometimes doing the obvious thing is radical.

The Guardian

Doing the obvious—having excellent websites and selling ad space on them may not be enough.

The Economist

At the bridge table there is a great deal to be said for doing the obvious.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet you ended up doing the obvious thing and going into show business.

The New York Times

But the real genius was not doing the obvious thing, namely placing the building at the end of the pier.

The Guardian - Arts

"You're doing the obvious thing, but using awkward or odd subject-matter, and that's the way I like it".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The other girls did the obvious".

The New York Times

She did the obvious, and then more.

The New York Times - Arts

"She doesn't do the obvious thing.

The Guardian

He merely does the obvious to win.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I do the obvious," he told me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing the obvious" when you want to emphasize that the best course of action is often the most straightforward and apparent one.

Common error

Don't assume that "doing the obvious" is always the best strategy. Sometimes, innovative or unconventional approaches can yield better results than the most apparent solution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing the obvious" typically functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the act of performing actions that are self-evident or logical. Ludwig confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doing the obvious" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe performing actions that are straightforward and logical. Ludwig confirms its widespread use, particularly in news and media. While it's a valuable concept, it's crucial to remember that innovative solutions may sometimes be required over "doing the obvious". The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts. Related phrases include "taking the straightforward approach" and "making the clear choice", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking the straightforward approach

Highlights the simplicity and directness of the chosen method.

making the clear choice

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity or difficulty in the decision.

taking the logical step

Emphasizes the rationality and reasoning behind the action.

doing what's expected

Highlights conformity to social norms or expectations.

acting predictably

Highlights the expected nature of the action, often implying a lack of originality.

following the standard procedure

Focuses on adhering to established methods or protocols.

going by the book

Emphasizes adherence to rules and regulations.

sticking to the basics

Implies a focus on fundamental principles or actions, avoiding complexity.

playing it safe

Suggests a cautious approach, prioritizing security over risk.

taking the easy way out

Sometimes suggests choosing the simplest option, potentially with negative connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "doing the obvious" in a sentence?

You can use "doing the obvious" to describe taking the most straightforward or apparent action in a given situation. For instance, "Instead of overcomplicating things, let's focus on "doing the obvious"."

What is an alternative to "doing the obvious"?

Alternatives include "taking the logical step", "taking the straightforward approach", or "making the clear choice", depending on the specific context.

When is "doing the obvious" not the best approach?

When facing complex or novel problems, "doing the obvious" may not suffice. In such cases, creative problem-solving and unconventional strategies might be necessary. Relying solely on obvious solutions can sometimes lead to stagnation or failure to address underlying issues.

What's the difference between "doing the obvious" and "thinking outside the box"?

"Doing the obvious" involves following the most apparent and straightforward course of action, while "thinking outside the box" requires exploring unconventional and innovative solutions that go beyond the readily apparent.