is plainly obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is plainly obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is very clear or evident without needing further explanation. Example: "The solution to the problem is plainly obvious to anyone who has studied the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

For Enatsu, the explanation is plainly obvious: "The biggest reason is Lotte changed managers from Valentine to Nishimura" and "Rakuten's troubles stem from the exact opposite move".

The New York Times - Sports

Ostensibly undertaken to protect Mr. Libeskind's interests, these tactics may actually have prevented him from seeing what to me is plainly obvious.

The New York Times - Arts

They inserted the following text into the specific paragraph that addresses debt management: "Maintaining sustainable debt levels is the responsibility of the borrowing countries … " It is plainly obvious why this language is harmful and, given the situation in Greece, callous for the EU to even propose it.

The Guardian

Although Ukip's relationship with the media has never been rosy - the party often complains that it is being persecuted as unpleasant comments by its members are unearthed - it is plainly obvious that they are being taken much more seriously than they used to be.

The Guardian

"It is plainly obvious that aircraft and huge gas containers are a potentially lethal mix.

BBC

It is plainly obvious that its technology needs to be fixed before it is parsed out to other companies and media corporations.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

And then he admitted what had been plainly obvious during four hours of brutal football.

The Washington Post

This is not conspiracy theory — it's plainly obvious to anyone examining the situation.

The New York Times

"It will be plainly obvious to the traveling public who has this and who doesn't," Mr. Maruster said.

The New York Times

Siegl devolves into a sort of emotional Mr. Magoo, so narcissistic and stuck in his ivory tower that he's unable to see what should be plainly obvious: that his assistant Alma is not the devoted, good-hearted country girl he thinks he hired, but a rage-filled psychotic who is putting crushed glass in his dinner and messing with his medication.

The New York Times - Books

"I think that's plainly obvious," Pashley told BBC Radio Lancashire after losing heavily to the new league leaders at the weekend.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is plainly obvious" to confidently assert a point that requires no further explanation or evidence. It adds emphasis and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is plainly obvious" too frequently in academic or professional writing, as it can come across as condescending or dismissive. Opt for more nuanced expressions when addressing a knowledgeable audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is plainly obvious" functions as a subject complement, attributing a quality of being easily understood to a subject. The Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound. Examples show its use in asserting self-evident truths.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is plainly obvious" serves to emphatically state something as easily understood and beyond dispute. It is grammatically correct and finds frequent use in news and media, as determined by Ludwig AI. While effective for asserting clarity, be mindful of the potential for condescension in formal contexts. Alternatives such as "is clearly evident" or "is readily apparent" offer a more nuanced approach when precision and tone are paramount. The examples and analysis provide a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing while avoiding common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is clearly evident

Changes the wording to emphasize clarity and visibility of the obvious fact.

is readily apparent

Replaces "plainly obvious" with a more formal expression indicating ease of perception.

is unmistakably clear

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the obviousness.

is patently obvious

Substitutes "plainly" with "patently," suggesting a self-evident quality.

is abundantly clear

Highlights the plentiful evidence making something obvious.

is self-evident

Indicates that something is obvious without needing proof or explanation.

is conspicuously obvious

Adds emphasis to the visibility and ease of noticing the obvious fact.

is transparently clear

Conveys that something is so clear it can be seen through, like a transparent object.

is glaringly obvious

Emphasizes how hard something is to miss because it is so obvious.

is strikingly obvious

Highlights the impressive and noticeable nature of the obvious fact.

FAQs

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

Use "is plainly obvious" to state something that's easily understood or requires no further explanation. For example, "The benefit of exercise "is plainly obvious" to anyone seeking better health".

What are some alternatives to "is plainly obvious"?

You can use alternatives such as "is clearly evident", "is readily apparent", or "is unmistakably clear" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

While grammatically correct, "is plainly obvious" might be seen as too informal or assertive for some formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "is readily apparent" or "is unmistakably clear" for a more professional tone.

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

Adding "plainly" to "is obvious" emphasizes the clarity and ease of understanding. "Is plainly obvious" suggests there is no room for doubt or misinterpretation, while "is obvious" is a more general statement of something being easily noticed or understood.