is not obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not clear or easily understood. Example: "The solution to the problem is not obvious, and it requires further analysis to uncover."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not obvious why.

The Economist

ReprintsThe cause is not obvious.

The Economist

The answer is not obvious.

The Economist

This is not obvious.

The New York Times

However, that is not obvious.

Harvard University

This is not obvious from his popularity.

The Economist

It is not obvious at all".

The New York Times

No, the choice is not obvious.

The New York Times

"It is not obvious that they do.

The New York Times

St.-Julien is not obvious.

The New York Times - Food

That is not obvious yet".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not obvious", ensure the context provides enough information to understand why something is not easily understood. Providing context clues enhances clarity and prevents confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "is not obvious" as a standalone statement. Always provide reasoning or examples to illustrate why the subject is not readily apparent, otherwise the statement loses its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not obvious" functions as a descriptive expression. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English to indicate a lack of clarity or immediate understanding. This aligns with the examples provided, showcasing its role in highlighting non-apparent aspects across various subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

45%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not obvious" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a lack of immediate clarity or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s commonly employed across diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. While frequently used, providing supporting context is crucial to enhance clarity. Alternatives like "is not apparent" or "is not clear" can be used to convey similar meanings. Therefore, understanding its nuances and providing sufficient context are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not apparent

Emphasizes the lack of visual or immediate detectability.

is not clear

Focuses on the lack of clarity or understanding.

is not evident

Highlights the absence of readily available proof or indication.

is not self-evident

Stresses the need for additional explanation or proof.

is not immediately clear

Similar to "is not clear", but adds emphasis on the immediacy.

is not readily apparent

Highlights the effort needed to become aware of the topic.

is not straightforward

Indicates complexity or difficulty in understanding.

is not easily understood

Focuses on the challenges individuals face to comprehend an information.

is open to interpretation

Suggests ambiguity that allows multiple meanings.

remains uncertain

Conveys a sense of doubt or unresolved understanding.

FAQs

What does the phrase "is not obvious" mean?

The phrase "is not obvious" means that something is not easily understood or immediately apparent. It indicates that further explanation or analysis is needed to comprehend the subject.

What can I say instead of "is not obvious"?

You can use alternatives like "is not apparent", "is not clear", or "is not evident" depending on the context.

How do I use "is not obvious" in a sentence?

Use "is not obvious" to express that a particular fact, solution, or conclusion requires more thought or information to be properly understood. For instance: "The solution to the problem "is not obvious", and further analysis is required."

Which is correct, "is not obvious" or "it's not obvious"?

"Is not obvious" is correct when used to describe a quality of something, while "it's not obvious" is a contraction of "it is not obvious" and is used to make a statement about something. Both are grammatically sound but serve different purposes. You can also say "that is not obvious at a glance".