is it obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is it obvious" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when questioning whether something is clear or easily understood. Example: "Is it obvious that we need to change our approach?" Alternative expressions include "is it clear" and "is it evident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nor is it obvious that its main ally, America, would go to war to rid the Senkakus of the platoon of Chinese troops.This uncertainty is dangerous, because it could lure China into miscalculation.

The Economist

Only in retrospect is it obvious.

The New Yorker

Nor is it obvious that all have been successful.

The Economist

Nor is it obvious that producers are hoarding supplies.

The Economist

Nor is it obvious that businesses have much excess capacity.

The Economist

Nor is it obvious what Affleck's intentions are.

Independent

"Alexandra" isn't a difficult film, but neither is it obvious.

The New York Times

Why is it obvious that Boston can maintain a permanently higher price level than Atlanta?

The Economist

Nor is it obvious that Microsoft has breached the 1995 settlement.

The Economist

Nor is it obvious what sort of event might unsettle an atheist's conviction to the contrary.

The New York Times - Books

Nor is it "obvious" that Huhne broke the law and is therefore finished in politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is it obvious", ensure the context provides enough information for the listener or reader to potentially answer the question. If not, rephrase to provide necessary background.

Common error

Avoid using "is it obvious" when dealing with subjective opinions or matters of personal taste, as it can come across as dismissive or condescending. In these cases, consider a more open-ended inquiry.

Linguistic Context

"Is it obvious" functions as an interrogative phrase, primarily used to question whether something is easily understood or readily apparent. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is it obvious" serves as an interrogative expression employed to inquire about the clarity or self-evidence of a particular matter. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, contribute to its versatility. While inherently neutral, mindful deployment in formal settings is advised to avoid potential misinterpretations. With semantically similar alternatives available and a substantial body of real-world examples, its mastery enriches communicative precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is it apparent

Replaces 'obvious' with 'apparent', focusing on something being easily seen or understood.

is it clear

Substitutes 'obvious' with 'clear', emphasizing the ease of understanding something.

is it evident

Replaces 'obvious' with 'evident', highlighting the quality of being easily noticed or understood.

is it plain

Substitutes 'obvious' with 'plain', stressing the simplicity and lack of ambiguity.

is it self-evident

Replaces 'obvious' with 'self-evident', emphasizing that something is true without needing proof.

is it unmistakable

Substitutes 'obvious' with 'unmistakable', implying that something cannot be confused with anything else.

is it a given

Replaces 'obvious' with 'a given', suggesting that something is assumed or accepted as fact.

is it beyond question

Replaces 'obvious' with 'beyond question', indicating that something is undoubtedly true.

is it beyond doubt

Replaces 'obvious' with 'beyond doubt', expressing certainty about something.

is it beyond dispute

Replaces 'obvious' with 'beyond dispute', conveying that something is undeniable and cannot be argued against.

FAQs

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

You can use "is it obvious" to question whether something is easily understood or apparent. For example, "Is it obvious why we need to change our strategy?".

What phrases can I use instead of "is it obvious"?

You can use alternatives like "is it apparent", "is it clear", or "is it evident" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is it obvious"?

"Is it obvious" is appropriate when you believe something should be readily understood or apparent. Be mindful of the context and audience to avoid sounding condescending.

Is "is it obvious" formal or informal?

"Is it obvious" leans towards the neutral side of the spectrum and can be used in both formal and informal settings. It's important to consider the tone and context to ensure the phrase doesn't come off as presumptuous or impolite.