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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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if obviously

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It's a good gag intelligently (if obviously) escalated.

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Sure, his form's not the greatest, but his average in T20s appears to be a half-decent if obviously not-out-assisted 123.

(Even if obviously impaired, the odds of getting caught are low, given the ratio of cars to cops in most cities).

News & Media

The Economist

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

The New York Times
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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".

The key word in that sentence is, obviously, "if".

News & Media

TechCrunch

The commissioned score, by Julian Anderson, is spare and beautiful, if rather obviously in thrall to Stravinsky's Rite of Spring.

News & Media

Independent

If define Obviously.

If a=1, obviously, it is true.

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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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Common

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.

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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Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

2.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: