is fairly obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is fairly obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is clear or easily understood without needing further explanation. Example: "Given the evidence presented, it is fairly obvious that the team made significant progress this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The answer is fairly obvious.

The Guardian

So much is fairly obvious.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is fairly obvious why.

The Guardian

This is fairly obvious code for Germany.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Its inherent fakeitude is fairly obvious," she said.

The New Yorker

This is fairly obvious, if you have been paying attention.

The Economist

But in this case the answer is fairly obvious: not.

The Guardian - Sport

It is fairly obvious to whom he is referring.

The Guardian

On Twitter, the transition between enemies is fairly obvious.

The Washington Post

What needs to be done is fairly obvious.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But all of this is fairly obvious the interest rate is written in plain sight on the card agreement.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is fairly obvious" to gently point out something that should be easily understood, but avoid overusing it to prevent condescending tone.

Common error

Avoid using "is fairly obvious" to introduce information that is already well-known to your audience, as it can undermine their intelligence and make your writing less engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is fairly obvious" functions as an evaluative statement, indicating that something is easily understood or apparent. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it introducing conclusions or stating known facts, setting the stage for further discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is fairly obvious" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that something is easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It serves as an evaluative statement, guiding the audience to recognize a point as readily apparent, yet not necessarily requiring exhaustive explanation. While frequently found in news and media, and acceptable across various contexts, it may be slightly informal for highly specialized academic writing where synonyms like "is quite evident" might be more appropriate. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to gently introduce conclusions and signal common ground, but avoid overuse to prevent condescension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite evident

Emphasizes the clarity and visibility of the fact, making it easily noticeable.

is readily apparent

Highlights the ease with which something can be seen or understood.

is clearly understood

Focuses on the understanding aspect, indicating no ambiguity.

is easily discernible

Stresses the ability to distinguish or recognize something without difficulty.

is plainly visible

Emphasizes the visual aspect of being obvious; something can be easily seen.

is patently clear

Suggests the obviousness is undeniable and beyond any doubt.

is self-evident

Implies the fact needs no proof or explanation because it's obvious in itself.

is no brainer

Informal way to say that a decision or conclusion is extremely obvious and requires little thought.

is an open secret

It's something widely known, but not formally acknowledged.

goes without saying

Indicates that something is so obvious it doesn't need to be explicitly stated.

FAQs

How can I use "is fairly obvious" in a sentence?

You can use "is fairly obvious" to introduce an idea or conclusion that you expect your audience to easily grasp. For example, "Given the data, it "is fairly obvious" that investment in renewable energy is crucial".

What are some alternatives to "is fairly obvious"?

Alternatives include "is quite evident", "is readily apparent", or "is clearly understood". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "is fairly obvious" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "is fairly obvious" may be considered slightly informal for some academic contexts. Using a more formal alternative like "is quite evident" or "is readily apparent" can enhance the tone and credibility of your writing.

What's the difference between "is fairly obvious" and "is obvious"?

"Is obvious" implies something is completely clear and requires no further explanation. "Is fairly obvious" suggests something is generally understood but might benefit from brief clarification. Using "is fairly obvious" can soften the statement, making it less assertive.