it obviously means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it obviously means" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that the meaning of something is clear or self-evident. Example: "When he said he was too busy to meet, it obviously means he doesn't want to see me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"I consider it an honor when my competitors say something negative because it obviously means they're afraid".

The New York Times

By virtue of it being our debut, it obviously means a lot to us, and it's great for it to be recognised among such prestigious talent".

The Guardian - Music

Now, it's Milton's annotators who tell us that the word prevent means "to come before, to anticipate," and on some level it obviously means that and that goes without question.

Yale University

I mean it obviously means to stand out, but in the realm of fashion, when so many designers are jostling, constantly, to make themselves heard above the bubbling masses, how does a designer achieve that?

Independent

It's a chilly, cruel film about characters that are difficult to like or warm to, and it obviously means a great deal to a country that for so long rejected its greatest writer.

The Guardian - Film

Of course, if you release a CD of your last concert called Farewell to the World 10 years after it actually happened it obviously means that it's not farewell to the world.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It obviously meant that you looked like a plumber".

The Guardian

"You only have to look at his celebration – it obviously meant a lot to him.

The Guardian - Sport

It obviously meant a lot to her, but it taught me a lot about life too …" – fripouille What could Labour do to win you back?

The Guardian - Opinion

William Miller, a Baptist minister in upstate New York, decided that when the Book of Daniel said "Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed", it obviously meant 2,300 years; and by "the sanctuary being cleansed" it obviously meant the return of Jesus: all he had to do was to establish the date from which Daniel was counting, and all would be ready.

The Guardian - Opinion

He prospered and made more friends than enemies, which was no mean feat, and when he had the choice between becoming a judge or a candidate for a political party he chose the bench without hesitation, although it obviously meant passing up the opportunities for greater financial gain that would have been open to him in politics.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it obviously means" to highlight a clear and easily understood consequence or interpretation of a situation or statement. It is best used when the connection is genuinely apparent to most people to avoid sounding condescending.

Common error

Avoid using "it obviously means" too frequently, as it can come across as patronizing or imply that the reader should already understand the point, even when it may not be universally clear. If the meaning truly requires no explanation, it's often better to simply state the conclusion directly without the "obviously" disclaimer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it obviously means" functions as a connector, linking a preceding statement or situation to its seemingly evident implication or conclusion. It signals a direct and easily inferred relationship, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it obviously means" is a phrase used to indicate a clear and direct connection between a statement and its logical conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While commonly found in News & Media, it also appears in academic and wiki contexts. To avoid sounding condescending, use it judiciously when the implication is genuinely apparent. Consider alternatives like "it clearly implies" or "it plainly signifies" to introduce subtle variations in tone. Overusing "it obviously means" might weaken your argument, so use it purposefully to enhance clarity without undermining the reader's intelligence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it clearly implies

Replaces 'obviously means' with a stronger emphasis on implication.

it plainly signifies

Substitutes 'obviously means' with a more formal term for indication.

it unmistakably indicates

Emphasizes the clarity of the indication, replacing 'obviously'.

it definitively shows

Focuses on the conclusive nature of the evidence, instead of obviousness.

it necessarily entails

Highlights the consequence or result, changing the focus from the meaning itself.

it directly suggests

Replaces 'means' with 'suggests' to soften the statement.

it virtually guarantees

Shifts the focus to a highly probable outcome, differing slightly in meaning.

it strongly hints at

Uses 'hints at' to express a less direct indication.

it reasonably indicates

Adds a degree of logical inference to the indication.

the implication is

Reformulates the sentence to focus on the implication rather than the direct meaning.

FAQs

What does "it obviously means" imply in a sentence?

The phrase "it obviously means" implies that the conclusion or interpretation being presented is clear, straightforward, and easily understood, leaving little room for alternative interpretations.

How can I use "it obviously means" effectively in writing?

Use "it obviously means" when the connection between a statement and its implication is genuinely clear to your intended audience. Avoid using it when the relationship might be subjective or require deeper analysis.

What are some alternatives to "it obviously means"?

You can use alternatives like "it clearly implies", "it plainly signifies", or "it unmistakably indicates" to express a similar meaning with slight variations in tone or emphasis.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "it obviously means"?

Yes, it's inappropriate when the meaning is not genuinely obvious to your audience or when you want to avoid sounding condescending. In such cases, it's better to provide a direct explanation or use a less assertive phrase.