is obvious to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is obvious to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is clear or evident to a particular person or group. Example: "It is obvious to anyone who has been paying attention that the project is behind schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The political rationale is obvious to all.

The New Yorker

All of which is obvious to Mr. McNerney.

The New York Times

The difference is obvious to the states.

The New York Times

The Winter Garden's photo op appeal is obvious to anyone.

The New York Times - Style

Their strength on their home turf is obvious to all.

The Guardian - Sport

Why this has come about is obvious to any parent.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The difference is obvious to catcher Jorge Posada.

The New York Times - Sports

"The usefulness of contacts at the highest level is obvious to us," he said.

The New York Times

The noxious domestic political atmosphere fostering this near-blackout is obvious to all.

The New York Times

The solution is obvious, to sell most of it off so there's even less.

Independent

As you note, what is obvious to some readers is a mystery to others.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is obvious to" when you want to emphasize that something should be easily understood or apparent to a specific group or person. Be mindful of your audience to ensure that what you consider obvious truly is.

Common error

Avoid using "is obvious to" when the information might not be clear to everyone. Overusing this phrase can alienate readers who may lack the necessary background knowledge or experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is obvious to" functions as a linking expression, connecting a subject to the idea of being easily understood by a particular recipient. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It indicates a state of clarity or transparency, making it readily perceptible.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is obvious to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey that something is easily understood or apparent. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this expression serves to emphasize clarity and shared understanding. While highly versatile, being mindful of the audience's background knowledge is important to avoid alienating readers. Related phrases such as "is clear to" and "is evident to" can serve as useful alternatives depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is clear to

Uses "clear" instead of "obvious", emphasizing ease of understanding.

is self-evident to

Indicates that something contains its own proof and requires no further explanation for someone.

is evident to

Replaces "obvious" with "evident", suggesting a slightly more formal tone.

is apparent to

Substitutes "obvious" with "apparent", indicating something easily perceived.

is plain to

Uses "plain" to convey simplicity and lack of ambiguity.

is understood by

Focuses on the understanding of the subject rather than the quality of being obvious.

is easily seen by

Focuses on the visual aspect of understanding, using "seen" instead of "obvious".

is no secret to

Highlights the lack of confidentiality rather than direct obviousness.

is well-known to

Emphasizes widespread knowledge, implying obviousness through common awareness.

is beyond doubt for

Replaces the concept of obviousness with one of certainty and lack of question.

FAQs

What does "is obvious to" mean?

The phrase "is obvious to" means that something is easily understood or apparent to a particular person or group. It suggests that the information is clear and requires little explanation.

What can I say instead of "is obvious to"?

You can use alternatives like "is clear to", "is evident to", or "is apparent to" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "is obvious to" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "it is evident that" or "it is clear that" which may sound more professional. However, "is obvious to" is perfectly fine in most contexts.

How can I make sure what's "obvious to" me is also obvious to my audience?

Provide sufficient context and background information. Avoid jargon or technical terms that your audience may not understand. Test your writing with someone unfamiliar with the topic to ensure clarity.