is self-explanatory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is self-explanatory" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to indicate that something is easily understood or requires no explanation. For example, "The diagram illustrating the process of photosynthesis is self-explanatory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Frank Sinatra, on film, sings "The Lady Is a Tramp," which is self-explanatory.

The New York Times

This one is self-explanatory.

The New Yorker

(The title is self-explanatory).

The New York Times

But the job offer is self-explanatory".

The New York Times

The photo below is self-explanatory.

The New Yorker

The last name is self-explanatory.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

And it's self-explanatory.

The New York Times - Tech

Most Tony Awards are self-explanatory.

The New York Times

The script was self-explanatory".

The Guardian - Film

The next tip should be self-explanatory.

The New Yorker

It's self-explanatory, that's what it is".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is self-explanatory" to concisely indicate that something is easily understood without additional explanation. This is particularly useful in technical documentation, instructions or when referring to well-known concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "is self-explanatory" when the information is exceptionally basic or obvious. Overusing the phrase can come across as condescending or unnecessary. Instead, simply present the information clearly without commentary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is self-explanatory" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as being easily understood without further explanation. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it often qualifies nouns, titles, or sections, asserting their clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is self-explanatory" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates something requires no further explanation due to its inherent clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to assure understanding and streamline communication. While applicable across various contexts, it is most prevalent in News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure your audience has the appropriate background knowledge to avoid any potential confusion or condescension. Ludwig's examples illustrate the phrase's versatility, highlighting its role in conveying efficiency and clarity in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs no explanation

Focuses on the lack of requirement for explanation rather than inherent clarity.

requires no further explanation

Emphasizes the completeness of understanding without needing additional details.

is readily apparent

Highlights the ease with which something can be perceived or understood.

is easily understood

Focuses on the ease of understanding the concept.

is clear

Indicates a general lack of ambiguity or confusion.

is obvious

Stresses the conspicuousness and lack of subtlety.

is evident

Emphasizes the clear and observable nature of something.

speaks for itself

Highlights the inherent quality of something to convey its own meaning.

is plain to see

Emphasizes the visibility and ease of comprehension.

doesn't need spelling out

Indicates that further detailing would be unnecessary.

FAQs

How do I use "is self-explanatory" in a sentence?

You can use "is self-explanatory" to indicate that something doesn't require further explanation because it's easily understood. For example, "The user interface "is self-explanatory", so new users can navigate it easily".

What can I say instead of "is self-explanatory"?

You can use alternatives like "needs no explanation", "is readily apparent", or "speaks for itself" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is self-explanatory"?

It's appropriate to use "is self-explanatory" when referring to something that is inherently clear and requires no further elaboration. However, ensure your audience has the necessary background knowledge; otherwise, it might be perceived as dismissive.

Which is correct, "is self-explanatory" or "it is self-explanatory"?

Both "is self-explanatory" and "it is self-explanatory" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the sentence structure. "It is self-explanatory" is typically used as a complete sentence, while "is self-explanatory" is part of a larger sentence.