is patently obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is patently obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is clearly and undeniably evident or apparent. Example: "The solution to the problem is patently obvious to anyone who has been paying attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"The meaning of that is patently obvious," he said.

The Guardian

It is patently obvious that there is much to celebrate regarding recent HIV breakthroughs.

Independent

In the context of music history, his conceit is patently obvious.

The New York Times - Arts

It is patently obvious that the issue is not going to go away".

The Guardian

Eden Park is first and foremost a rugby ground, which is patently obvious from first sight of the place.

Independent

The answer, judging by the look on Mr. Soldatov's face, is patently obvious: "In Russia, everyone knows Agent 007".

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"That's patently obvious.

The New York Times

"It's patently obvious I can't predict my own future.

The Economist

It was patently obvious that Higgins and his manager, Pat Mooney, had been set up.

The Guardian

That's patently obvious and to deny that is to deny reality".

The Guardian

The message was patently obvious: vote for us because we are inclusive LBGT-friendly guys.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is patently obvious" to express that something is undeniably clear and requires little to no explanation. This phrase works well in formal and semi-formal contexts where you want to emphasize the clarity of a point.

Common error

Avoid using "is patently obvious" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound pretentious or overly assertive in such settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is clear" or "is obvious".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is patently obvious" functions as a linking verb phrase combined with an adjective, serving to connect the subject to a state of being that is unmistakably clear. Ludwig examples show its use in asserting readily understandable facts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is patently obvious" is used to emphasize that something is undeniably clear and evident. While grammatically correct and relatively common, as supported by Ludwig AI, it is best suited for formal or semi-formal contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science. Consider related phrases such as "is plainly evident" or "is abundantly clear" to achieve nuanced shades of meaning. Overall, understanding the appropriate context and register is key to using this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is plainly evident

Replaces "patently obvious" with synonyms maintaining a formal tone.

is abundantly clear

Emphasizes the overwhelming clarity of something.

is crystal clear

Highlights the transparency and ease of understanding.

is readily apparent

Focuses on the immediate and easy visibility of something.

is self-evident

Implies that something is obvious without needing explanation.

is clear as day

Uses a common idiom to express obviousness in an informal way.

is beyond question

Highlights the undeniable nature of something.

is manifestly obvious

Uses a more formal and emphatic synonym for "patently".

is staring you in the face

Suggests the obviousness is being overlooked.

is an open secret

Implies something is widely known though not formally acknowledged.

FAQs

What does "is patently obvious" mean?

The phrase "is patently obvious" means that something is so clear and evident that it requires no further explanation or proof. It is undeniably apparent to anyone who considers it.

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

You can use "is patently obvious" to emphasize the clarity of a point. For example, "It "is patently obvious" that the company needs to invest in new technology to remain competitive."

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

You can use alternatives like "is plainly evident", "is abundantly clear", or "is crystal clear" depending on the context.

Is "is patently obvious" formal or informal?

"Is patently obvious" is considered a somewhat formal phrase. In more informal situations, phrases like "is clear as day" or "is obvious" might be more appropriate.