Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it's not obvious
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
it's not apparent
it's not clear
it's hard to tell
it is not evident
it escapes attention
it remains uncertain
the situation is ambiguous
more information is needed
further investigation is required
the details are hazy
it is uncertain
it's uncertain
the matter is unresolved
the picture is unclear
it's open to question
it is debatable
it is doubtful
it warrants further investigation
it is questionable
it remains to be seen
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
It's not obvious, actually.
News & Media
If so, it's not obvious.
News & Media
"It's not obvious," he said.
News & Media
"Maybe they do, but it's not obvious".
News & Media
It's not obvious, that's the first thing.
News & Media
In many places it's not obvious.
News & Media
It's not obvious that they will.
News & Media
At the very least, it's not obvious.
News & Media
"But it's not obvious until it's done".
News & Media
It's not obvious which is better.
News & Media
"It's not obvious propaganda," he said.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "it's not obvious" to introduce a counter-argument or a point that requires further explanation. This signals to the reader that the following information will challenge a common assumption or perception.
Common error
Avoid using "it's not obvious" as a standalone statement. Always follow it with an explanation or further details to clarify what is not apparent and why. This provides context and prevents confusion.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
"It's not obvious" functions as a statement of uncertainty or lack of immediate clarity. It indicates that a particular fact, conclusion, or connection is not readily apparent and often precedes an explanation or clarification. As supported by Ludwig, it's a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce nuance or challenge assumptions.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Science
20%
Wiki
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Academia
3%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "it's not obvious" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a lack of immediate clarity or understanding. As Ludwig shows, it appears frequently across diverse contexts, from news and media to science and general discourse. Grammatically correct and broadly accepted, the phrase serves as a signal for deeper analysis and clarification. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide context and explanation to avoid ambiguity. Although "it's not obvious" is used across many domains, it is still rare or missing in Formal & Business and Academia contexts.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it's not apparent
Replaces "obvious" with "apparent", maintaining the meaning of something not being readily visible or understandable.
it's not evident
Substitutes "obvious" with "evident", suggesting that the information lacks clear signs or proof.
it's not clear
Uses "clear" instead of "obvious", indicating a lack of clarity or understanding.
it's not immediately clear
Adds "immediately" to emphasize that understanding is not instant or straightforward.
it's not self-evident
Replaces "obvious" with "self-evident", stressing that the point requires explanation or proof.
it's difficult to see
Shifts the focus to the difficulty in perceiving or understanding something.
it's hard to tell
Indicates uncertainty or difficulty in determining something, rather than a lack of obviousness.
it's not easily understood
Specifies that the difficulty lies in the understanding of the subject.
it's not readily apparent
Combines "readily" and "apparent" to highlight that something isn't immediately visible.
it's open to interpretation
Suggests that the subject can be understood in multiple ways, lacking a single, obvious meaning.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "it's not obvious" in a sentence?
You can use alternatives like "it's not apparent", "it's not evident", or "it's not clear" depending on the context.
Is "it's not obvious" grammatically correct?
Yes, "it's not obvious" is grammatically correct. It uses the contraction "it's" (it is) followed by the negation "not" and the adjective "obvious". It is a common and acceptable phrase in English.
What does "it's not obvious" mean?
The phrase "it's not obvious" means that something is not easily or immediately understood or noticed. It implies that the information or conclusion requires further thought or explanation.
When should I use "it's not obvious" in my writing?
Use "it's not obvious" when you want to point out that something might be misunderstood or requires additional context. It's useful for introducing a nuanced perspective or challenging a common assumption.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested