it is self-evident

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is self-evident" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when making a statement that you feel is obviously true and requires no further proof or explanation. For example: "It is self-evident that laughter is good for the soul."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Much about it is self-evident.

The New York Times

It is self-evident: to learn, one must want to learn.

Harvard Business Review

"It is self-evident that the UK power system is under increasing stress.

The Guardian - Business

It is self-evident that the Liberal Democrats are extremely open to coalition.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it is self-evident that people who do not earn anything don't pay income tax.

The Guardian

But it is self-evident that in order to be relevant, the law must be enforced.

The Guardian - Opinion

For Dr. Seung, it is self-evident that you are more than your genes.

The New York Times - Health

It is "self-evident" that governments derive their "just powers" from the "consent of the governed".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is self evident.

The Guardian

It is self evident that GPs use waiting strategies when symptoms are unclear.

BMJ Quality and Safety

It is self evident that some such process is a necessary integrator of cell physiology.

Cell and Bioscience

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is self-evident" to introduce a point that you believe requires no further explanation due to its obviousness. Ensure that the statement truly holds universally to avoid undermining your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "it is self-evident" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound condescending or as if you are dismissing alternative perspectives. Use it sparingly for points that are genuinely universally accepted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is self-evident" functions as an epistemic marker, signaling that the speaker or writer believes a statement is obviously true and requires no further proof. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is self-evident" is a powerful tool for asserting a claim's obvious truth. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news, scientific and business contexts. When using "it is self-evident", remember that its effectiveness hinges on the statement truly being universally accepted. Overuse or misapplication can weaken your argument and potentially alienate your audience. Consider using alternatives like "it goes without saying" or "it's plain to see" for nuanced emphasis or in less formal settings. Employ this phrase judiciously to enhance your writing's clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's undeniably true

This emphasizes the indisputable and certain nature of a statement, highlighting its factual accuracy.

it's patently obvious

This emphasizes the clear and undeniable nature of something, suggesting it's easily discernible.

it's clear as day

This idiom emphasizes the obviousness and clarity of something, making it easily understandable.

it's plain to see

This highlights the ease with which something can be understood or noticed, suggesting simplicity and clarity.

it goes without saying

This indicates something so obvious it doesn't need to be explicitly stated, implying a shared understanding.

it's beyond question

This emphasizes the certainty and lack of doubt surrounding something, highlighting its indisputable nature.

it stands to reason

This alternative suggests a logical conclusion that is easily deduced, implying a reasoned understanding rather than immediate obviousness.

it's a foregone conclusion

This suggests that the outcome is already determined and inevitable, implying a lack of surprise or uncertainty.

it's a given

This phrase denotes something that is assumed to be true or accepted without question, highlighting its unquestionable nature.

it's axiomatic

This denotes something that is self-evident and requires no proof, often used in mathematical or logical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "it is self-evident" in a sentence?

Use "it is self-evident" to introduce a statement that you believe is obvious and requires no further explanation. For example, "It is self-evident that clean water is essential for human health".

What are some alternatives to "it is self-evident"?

You can use alternatives such as "it goes without saying", "it's plain to see", or "it stands to reason" depending on the context.

Is "it is self-evident" formal or informal?

"It is self-evident" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic writing. More informal alternatives exist, such as "it's obvious".

When should I avoid using "it is self-evident"?

Avoid using "it is self-evident" when the statement may be subjective or not universally accepted. Using it in such cases can weaken your argument and make you appear dismissive of other viewpoints.