if it is obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it is obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that something should be clear or self-evident to the reader or listener. Example: "You don't need to explain the process in detail if it is obvious to everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

If it is obvious, then you're falling into the trap of vaguebooking.

The Guardian - Tech

In my experience, people on both sides are emphatic, and treat their position as if it is obvious and incontrovertible.

The New Yorker

He plays at being tougher than he is; he tries to tread lightly, even if it is obvious that his attempt is a sham — he can't take two steps without faltering.

The New Yorker

But if it is obvious that the government cannot afford to do nothing about such breaches, it is also clear that the old principles of retaliation — you bomb Los Angeles, we'll destroy Moscow — just do not translate.

The New York Times

And, if it is obvious that there is nothing positive that can come from our committed involvement there, then we have to say we'd be prepared to say we'll come home — but we're not there yet.

The New Yorker

Porter said it was possible the scheme would be extended beyond 10 years "if it is obvious... that we have not been able to service all of the people we expected to".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"If it were obvious it would have been done.

The Guardian - Film

"If it's obvious — take shit water, put it through a filter — then people are upset".

The New Yorker

Leovy explains: "He said it simply, as if it were obvious.

Independent

"If it's obvious they're not the right person, you have lost very little".

The New York Times

Instead, the yes camp peddled bland generalisations, as if it were obvious that Europe was good for Ireland.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if it is obvious" to streamline explanations by avoiding unnecessary detail when the point is already easily understood by the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "if it is obvious" to introduce information that should already be known or is irrelevant to the context, as this can make your writing seem patronizing or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it is obvious" functions as a conditional clause used to introduce a scenario where something is readily apparent or easily understood. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it serves to set a condition based on a shared understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if it is obvious" is a commonly used conditional clause to denote scenarios where something is easily understood or apparent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and wide applicability across different contexts. The phrase is grammatically sound and serves to streamline communication by implying a shared understanding, avoiding unnecessary explanations. Though versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in redundant statements. Common synonyms include "if it's clear" and "if it's apparent". Top authoritative sources employing this phrase include The Guardian, The New Yorker, and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it's apparent

Replaces "obvious" with "apparent", suggesting something is easily seen or understood.

if it's clear

Substitutes "obvious" with "clear", indicating a lack of ambiguity or doubt.

if it's evident

Uses "evident" instead of "obvious", highlighting that something is easily perceived or understood.

if it's plain to see

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be understood or noticed.

if it's self-evident

Highlights that something is obvious without needing explanation or proof.

if it's manifest

Replaces "obvious" with "manifest", implying that something is clearly revealed or displayed.

assuming it's obvious

Adds "assuming" to explicitly state the assumption of obviousness.

given its obviousness

Uses a nominalized form to emphasize the state of being obvious.

in light of its obviousness

Introduces the phrase to indicate a decision or action based on something being obvious.

considering it's obvious

Uses "considering" to frame the obviousness as a factor in decision-making.

FAQs

How can I use "if it is obvious" in a sentence?

Use "if it is obvious" to introduce a statement or condition that should be easily understood or apparent. For example, "You don't need to explain the basics "if it is obvious" to everyone involved".

What's a more concise way to say "if it is obvious"?

Alternatives include "if it's clear", "if it's apparent", or "obviously", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "if it is obvious" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to acknowledge that something should be easily understood and that a detailed explanation is unnecessary. However, avoid using it in situations where the obviousness is subjective or not universally shared.

Is there a difference between "if it is obvious" and "if it were obvious"?

Yes, "if it is obvious" suggests that something is currently and undeniably clear. "If it were obvious" implies a hypothetical situation or a condition that is not necessarily the case but could be. The latter is used to explore possibilities or counterfactuals.