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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
if obviously
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "if obviously" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to introduce a condition or assumption, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "If obviously you understand the concept, we can move on to the next topic."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(7)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
24 human-written examples
It's a good gag intelligently (if obviously) escalated.
News & Media
FRAYED WELL Mason jars, exposed light bulbs, stray ladders, zippers and spools create a rare, if obviously cultivated, "homemade" atmosphere on a rather generic shopping row.
News & Media
Instead, it was a thick, mayonnaise-like paste, subtly if obviously flavored with some kind of fish; I'd never had anything like it.
News & Media
Sure, his form's not the greatest, but his average in T20s appears to be a half-decent if obviously not-out-assisted 123.
News & Media
(Even if obviously impaired, the odds of getting caught are low, given the ratio of cars to cops in most cities).
News & Media
I can say confidently that this is true, even if, obviously, I can't claim to have taken in enough work to qualify as a representative sample.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
34 human-written examples
And if they win, obviously, if they win, you have to thank your lucky stars".
News & Media
The key word in that sentence is, obviously, "if".
News & Media
The commissioned score, by Julian Anderson, is spare and beautiful, if rather obviously in thrall to Stravinsky's Rite of Spring.
News & Media
If define Obviously.
If a=1, obviously, it is true.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using "if obviously" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and grammatically correct alternatives such as "if it is obvious" or "if it is clear" to ensure effective communication.
Common error
Don't use "if obviously" to add emphasis to a condition. It often creates ambiguity and disrupts the flow of your writing. Instead, focus on clearly stating the condition and its consequences.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "if obviously" functions as an attempted conditional conjunction, aiming to introduce a condition based on something being apparent. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is not correct. Its primary function is to set a precondition, but its grammatical structure undermines its effectiveness.
Frequent in
News & Media
35%
Science
35%
Wiki
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Encyclopedias
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "if obviously" appears in various contexts, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. Its intended function is to set a condition based on apparentness, but its non-standard construction undermines its effectiveness. More appropriate alternatives include "if it is obvious" or "assuming that". Although it appears in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it's best to avoid "if obviously" in formal writing to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. Its usage tends to be informal, and while present in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its incorrectness makes it unsuitable for professional and academic settings.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
if it is obvious
This alternative provides a more grammatically correct and direct way of expressing the condition with clarity.
assuming it's clear
This phrase directly assumes clarity, shifting the focus from conditionality to assumption.
in the event that it's apparent
This offers a more formal and cautious restatement of the condition of being obvious.
if it is evident
A more formal way to express the condition, emphasizing the evidence available.
given that it's clear
This suggests accepting something as a precondition before proceeding, highlighting the known clarity.
provided it's obvious
This phrase emphasizes that something can only proceed if it meets the condition of being obvious.
on the condition that it's clear
This offers a more formal and emphatic way of stating that something is dependent on the condition of being clear.
should it be apparent
Presents a more hypothetical and conditional form of something being apparent.
presuming clarity
This alternative reduces the phrase to a simple presumption of clarity, removing the conditional element.
assuming it is plain
Replaces "obvious" with "plain", adjusting the degree of formality and directness.
FAQs
How can I correctly use a conditional phrase involving obviousness?
Instead of "if obviously", use clearer alternatives such as "if it is obvious", "if it is clear", or "assuming that" depending on the specific context.
What are some formal alternatives to "if obviously"?
For formal contexts, consider using phrases like "given that", "provided that it is evident", or "on the condition that it is clear".
Is "if obviously" grammatically correct?
No, the phrase "if obviously" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The word order is awkward, and it's better to rephrase it for clarity.
What's the difference between "if it is obvious" and "if obviously"?
"If it is obvious" is a grammatically sound phrase that clearly states a conditional situation based on something being apparent. "If obviously" is a non-standard construction that is confusing and should be avoided.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
2.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested