it appears obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it appears obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something seems clear or evident to you, often in a discussion or analysis. Example: "After reviewing the data, it appears obvious that the new strategy is yielding better results than the previous one."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Due to its intrinsic "smallness," it appears obvious to expect that noise effect is "small" and, in the presence of noise, the system behaves much as it would do in its absence.

Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology

It appears obvious to us that the one-year disaffiliation provision furthers the State's interest in the stability of its political system.

Cornell University

But even from afar it appears obvious that Dallas is challenging much of the collective wisdom on which the M.L.S. is being built.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes, even when it appears obvious that something must be done, there really isn't anything obvious or easy that can be done.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It appears obvious that the recourse to disguised terms like… the doctor [or] the nurse hide high-level, and probably corrupt, contacts able to impose their will".

The Guardian

Now it appears obvious why.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It appeared obvious that he had to make himself scarce for a few years.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The forecast became much clearer Wednesday into Thursday, when it appeared obvious that the central coast of Norway would be hard-hit.

The Washington Post

At that inquiry, a former NASA shuttle manager testified today that it appeared obvious the front edges of the Columbia's wing would be badly damaged by the hit it took from debris upon its launch.

The New York Times

From these results, it appeared obvious that chemical forces were essentially electrical in nature and that two hydrogen atoms, for example, having the same electrical charge, would repel each other and could not join to form the polyatomic molecule required by Avogadro's hypothesis.

Britannica

Even if it appeared obvious that the state's role led investors to put more money into France Télécom, Mr. Alexiadis said, under Europe's state aid rules it would be mere speculation to say that the markets would have behaved differently if the state had not been involved.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it appears obvious" when you want to express a seemingly self-evident conclusion based on available information. However, be prepared to support your statement with evidence, as what seems obvious to one person may not be to another.

Common error

Avoid using "it appears obvious" when the point is genuinely complex or requires detailed analysis. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound condescending or dismissive of potentially valid counterarguments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it appears obvious" functions as an introductory expression, indicating that the speaker or writer believes something is self-evident or easily understood. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase prefaces a statement of apparent fact or logical conclusion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

36%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it appears obvious" is a useful way to introduce a statement that seems self-evident, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as an introductory expression with a communicative purpose of signaling a shared understanding. While the phrase is grammatically correct, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid sounding condescending or dismissive. The phrase appears more frequently in formal contexts such as science, news media and academia. Alternatives such as "it seems clear" or "it is evident" can be used to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems clear

Changes the verb from "appears" to "seems", offering a slightly less formal tone.

it is evident

Replaces "appears obvious" with a more direct and assertive statement of evidence.

it is clear

A simpler and more direct way to express that something is easily understood.

it is plain to see

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be noticed or understood.

it is manifest

A more formal and emphatic way to state that something is obvious or apparent.

it is self-evident

Highlights that the information is obvious without needing further proof or explanation.

it is readily apparent

Emphasizes the ease and speed with which something becomes obvious.

it is patently obvious

Adds emphasis to the obviousness of the situation, making it undeniable.

it is an open secret

Suggests that something is widely known but not officially acknowledged.

it is beyond question

Indicates that something is so clear that it cannot be doubted or challenged.

FAQs

What does "it appears obvious" mean?

The phrase "it appears obvious" suggests that something seems clear or evident based on the available information or evidence.

How can I use "it appears obvious" in a sentence?

You can use "it appears obvious" to introduce a conclusion that you believe is easily understood or supported by the facts. For example: "After analyzing the data, "it appears obvious" that the new strategy is more effective."

What are some alternatives to "it appears obvious"?

Alternatives include "it seems clear", "it is evident", or "it is clear" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it appears obvious" in writing?

Use "it appears obvious" when you want to highlight a conclusion that you believe is readily apparent, but be mindful of overusing the phrase, as it can sometimes come across as dismissive. Always be prepared to support your statement with evidence if challenged.