it is not obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

"It is not obvious" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when something is not immediately clear or immediately obvious. For example, "It is not obvious why the company decided to make this change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is not obvious why.

The Economist

It is not obvious at all".

The New York Times

"It is not obvious that they do.

The New York Times

It is not obvious how to describe her performance.

The New Yorker

How the kitchen does it is not obvious.

The New York Times - Food

It is not obvious that this is a good idea.

The Economist

It is not obvious that these countries were held back.

The Economist

It is not obvious what leverage there is on Mugabe.

The New Yorker

I state it because I know it is not obvious".

The Guardian - Arts

However, it is not obvious at what fractional load significant deviations from full load behavior begin.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

However, it is not obvious to me how we can bridge the gap between these extremes.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not obvious" to introduce a point that requires further explanation or evidence. This helps to guide the reader through complex ideas or arguments.

Common error

Avoid using "it is not obvious" when the context already implies a lack of clarity. Simpler phrasing is often more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not obvious" primarily functions as a statement to indicate that something is not immediately clear or easily understood. Ludwig examples showcase this across varied domains. It sets the stage for further explanation or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is not obvious" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a lack of immediate clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for introducing points that require further explanation, particularly in science, news, and business contexts. While common, it's advisable to avoid overuse in overly simple sentences. Related phrases like "it is not apparent" or "it is not clear" can offer variety. Understanding its function can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not apparent

This alternative conveys a similar meaning but emphasizes the lack of visibility or clarity.

it is not clear

This alternative is a direct synonym, focusing on the lack of clarity.

it is not evident

This alternative highlights that something is not readily noticeable or easily perceived.

it is not self-evident

This emphasizes that something requires proof or explanation, rather than being immediately obvious.

it is not immediately obvious

This adds emphasis to the lack of instant clarity.

it is far from obvious

This alternative emphasizes the lack of obviousness.

it's not necessarily the case

This alternative suggests a possibility of the opposite being true.

it is not necessarily true

Indicates uncertainty or the potential for an alternative explanation.

the reason is unclear

This alternative shifts the focus to the lack of a clear explanation.

the rationale is obscure

This alternative indicates that the reasoning behind something is not easily understood.

FAQs

How can I use "it is not obvious" in a sentence?

You can use "it is not obvious" to introduce a statement that might not be immediately clear or requires further explanation. For example, "It is not obvious why the company chose this particular strategy."

What's the difference between "it is not obvious" and "it is not clear"?

While similar, "it is not obvious" implies that something might seem apparent at first glance but isn't upon closer inspection. "It is not clear", on the other hand, simply suggests a lack of clarity or understanding from the outset.

What can I say instead of "it is not obvious"?

You can use alternatives like "it is not apparent", "it is not clear", or "it is not evident" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "it's not obvious" or "it is not obvious"?

Both are grammatically correct and can be used. "It's not obvious" is more informal due to the contraction, while "it is not obvious" is slightly more formal and often preferred in academic or professional writing.