intuitively obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

"intuitively obvious" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is easy to understand without needing extra explanation. For example, "The connection between cause and effect in this scenario was intuitively obvious."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus, it seems that this work, actually, does sharpen intuition and even yields results that might not be intuitively obvious.

Biology Direct

It's all intuitively obvious.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(This is intuitively obvious).

The Guardian - Opinion

This seems intuitively obvious.

Harvard Business Review

The relationship seems intuitively obvious.

The New York Times

The reason for this is intuitively obvious.

The New York Times

Structure-function relationships are not intuitively obvious.

Clinical Simulation Operations, Engineering, and Management

proposal, it would have an intuitively obvious meaning.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But like many things intuitively obvious, this is wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sometimes it generates recommendations that aren't intuitively obvious.

The New Yorker

Watch out for the phrases "this is intuitively obvious", "this is easy" and other condescending statements.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a technical audience, be cautious about using "intuitively obvious" as it may dismiss the underlying complexity or nuances of a topic. Instead, provide a brief explanation to ensure clarity and avoid alienating readers.

Common error

Avoid using "intuitively obvious" excessively, as it can come across as condescending or dismissive to readers who may not find the concept as straightforward. Vary your language and provide brief explanations instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intuitively obvious" functions as an adverbial modifier describing how something is perceived or understood. It indicates that a concept is understood immediately and without conscious reasoning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase indicates something readily understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

37%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intuitively obvious" serves to emphasize the simplicity and self-evidence of a concept. Grammatically correct and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial modifier. While suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and academia, as indicated by Ludwig's examples, its overuse should be avoided to prevent condescension. Related phrases include "readily apparent" and "self-evident", offering alternatives for diverse writing styles. When employing "intuitively obvious", it's advisable to provide brief explanations to ensure clarity and avoid dismissing the nuances of a topic, especially in technical or formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

readily apparent

Focuses on the immediate visibility and ease of understanding.

self-evident

Emphasizes that the truth is contained within itself and requires no proof.

patently clear

Highlights the obviousness to the point of being undeniable.

plainly obvious

Stresses the simplicity and directness of the obviousness.

easily understood

Highlights the ease of comprehension rather than the inherent obviousness.

immediately clear

Focuses on the speed and clarity of understanding.

obviously

A more concise adverbial form, suitable for simpler constructions.

it stands to reason

Implies a logical progression making something clear.

clear as day

Uses a common idiom to emphasize the clarity.

unquestionably obvious

Indicates that the obviousness is beyond any doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "intuitively obvious" to describe something that is easily understood without needing much explanation. For example, "It's "intuitively obvious" that studying leads to better grades".

What are some alternatives to "intuitively obvious"?

Alternatives include "readily apparent", "self-evident", or "plainly obvious". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "intuitively obvious" in formal writing?

Yes, but use it sparingly. While grammatically correct, overuse can sound dismissive. In some contexts, using alternatives like "easily understood" or providing a brief explanation might be more appropriate.

What does it mean when someone says something is "intuitively obvious"?

It means that the concept or idea is easy to understand or perceive without needing detailed analysis or explanation. It suggests that the understanding comes naturally or instinctively.