is a no-brainer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is a no-brainer' can be used in written English and means something is so obvious or easy that it requires no thought to do or understand.
For example: "Collecting the cash reward for solving the math problem is a no-brainer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Farming eel is a no-brainer".

Independent

Dessert is a no-brainer.

The New York Times

To me, this is a no-brainer.

The New York Times

The tradeoff is a no-brainer.

The New York Times

"This is a no-brainer, right?

The Washington Post

Expansion, he says, is a no-brainer.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"That's a no-brainer," says Rosenbaum.

Forbes

That was a no-brainer".

The New York Times

"This week was a no-brainer.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a no-brainer".

The New York Times - Sports

This was a no-brainer".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a no-brainer" when you want to emphasize that a decision or conclusion is extremely obvious and requires little to no thought. It is best used in contexts where you want to convey confidence in your assessment.

Common error

While "is a no-brainer" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or condescending. Vary your language by using synonyms like "plainly obvious" or "straightforward" to keep your tone engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a no-brainer" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a noun or situation as obvious or requiring little thought. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, aligning with examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "is a no-brainer" is a common and straightforward way to indicate that something is extremely obvious or easy, requiring minimal thought. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its informality makes it less suitable for academic or highly formal settings, its frequent appearance in diverse sources highlights its usefulness in conveying clarity and confidence. To avoid overuse, consider employing synonyms such as "plainly obvious" or "straightforward" to maintain an engaging and nuanced tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is plainly obvious

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of ambiguity of the subject.

is completely self-evident

Focuses on the fact that no further explanation is needed.

is patently clear

Stresses the undeniable and evident nature of something.

is a foregone conclusion

Highlights the inevitability and predictability of an outcome.

is straightforward

Indicates a lack of complications or difficulties.

is an open and shut case

Suggests the simplicity and straightforwardness of a situation.

is simplicity itself

Emphasizes the utter lack of complexity.

is ridiculously easy

Underlines the simplicity of something, often with a sense of hyperbole.

is as easy as pie

Uses an idiom to express extreme ease.

is a cinch

Another idiomatic way to express that something is very easy.

FAQs

How can I use "is a no-brainer" in a sentence?

The phrase "is a no-brainer" indicates that something is very obvious or easy. For example, "Choosing to accept the higher-paying job offer is a no-brainer".

What are some alternatives to "is a no-brainer"?

You can use phrases like "plainly obvious", "foregone conclusion", or "patently clear" as alternatives to "is a no-brainer".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is a no-brainer"?

It's appropriate to use "is a no-brainer" when you want to emphasize that a decision or action is very obvious and requires little thought. However, avoid using it in sensitive situations where it might sound dismissive.

Is "is a no-brainer" formal or informal?

The phrase "is a no-brainer" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations or less formal writing. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "self-evident" or "unquestionable".