downright obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "downright obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is very clear or evident, often in a context where the speaker feels that the obviousness should be recognized by others. Example: "The solution to the problem was downright obvious once we reviewed the data together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Many would consider her the downright obvious choice – and one thing that Bowie wasn't was obvious.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite it all, as the score remained tied and time ticked away, one thing seemed apparent, if not downright obvious: Smith would throw the ball in Holmes's direction.

The New York Times - Sports

This is so unjust, outdated, and downright obvious that all you can do is laugh, and it suggests a cackling kinship between author and director.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This is downright dangerous for obvious reasons, but note that it's also inconvenient (at least) to have a stroller on which the folding lock has broken.

WikiHow

Ladies, this means never flirting with her boyfriend or the guy she's been crushing on for forever -- it's too obvious and downright catty.

WikiHow

Snoring is loud, obtrusive and downright obnoxious, but aside from the obvious, it can also be hazardous to your health!

WikiHow

Every once in a while, one sprouts up that is just so damned simple, so face-palmingly obvious, that it makes me feel downright stupid for not thinking of it.

TechCrunch

On both occasions, the prince was positively beaming – a thoroughly good sport – and appeared endearingly at ease, unlike many other royals or celebrities who would find the obvious fashion faux pas an awkward or downright embarrassing photo op to endure.

BBC

It seemed so obvious to me, a slam-dunk, a downright compelling true life American story.

Huffington Post

Noise pollution from jets is only the obvious issue; air pollution from the engines is downright insidious.

The New York Times

They were downright radiant posing for pictures and embracing each other with an obvious bonhomie unweathered by time spent behind bars, totally incommunicado.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "downright obvious" to emphasize the undeniable clarity of something, especially when you want to express mild surprise or frustration that others may not recognize it.

Common error

Avoid using "downright obvious" in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable, it can occasionally sound slightly informal or conversational in tone. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "readily apparent" or "self-evident" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downright obvious" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It intensifies the degree to which something is apparent or evident. Ludwig provides examples where it emphasizes a clear and easily understood fact or solution.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "downright obvious" is a correct and usable adjective phrase in English that emphasizes the clarity of something. While generally acceptable, Ludwig suggests it's more suitable for neutral and informal contexts and may be less appropriate in highly formal academic writing. With a 'rare' occurrence frequency and main presence in News & Media, it conveys that something is unmistakably clear. Ludwig AI confirms the expression's validity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patently clear

Emphasizes the undeniable and evident nature of something.

plain as day

Uses a common idiom to express obviousness.

blindingly obvious

Highlights the overwhelming clarity of something.

crystal clear

Indicates something is easy to see and understand.

readily apparent

Suggests something is easily noticed or perceived.

unmistakably clear

Stresses the lack of ambiguity in something.

impossible to miss

Highlights how difficult it would be to overlook something.

self-evident

Implies something is obvious without needing proof or explanation.

undeniably obvious

Emphasizes the certainty of something being clear.

transparently obvious

Highlights the openness and clear visibility of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "downright obvious" to emphasize that something is very clear or evident. For example: "The solution to the problem was "downright obvious" once we reviewed the data together."

What are some alternatives to "downright obvious"?

You can use alternatives like "patently clear", "plain as day", or "blindingly obvious" depending on the context.

Is "downright obvious" a formal or informal expression?

"Downright obvious" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for most contexts. However, in very formal or academic writing, more neutral alternatives may be preferred.

What's the difference between "obvious" and "downright obvious"?

The word "downright" intensifies the meaning of "obvious". "Downright obvious" emphasizes that something is not just obvious, but overwhelmingly and undeniably so.