it sounds obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it sounds obvious' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are making an observation or statement that seems so clear or obvious that it almost does not need to be said. For example, "It sounds obvious, but it's important to remember to be kind to others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It sounds obvious but its not.

Huffington Post

"It sounds obvious, indisputable.

The Guardian - Arts

It sounds obvious, but reporting requires reporters.

The New Yorker

It sounds obvious, yet it's often neglected.

Harvard Business Review

Education is important — it sounds obvious.

The Washington Post

It sounds obvious, but it's not.

Harvard Business Review

It sounds obvious, perhaps, but problem solved.

The Guardian

It sounds obvious, but make sure they are correct.

The Economist

It sounds obvious but it doesn't always happen.

Harvard Business Review

It sounds obvious, but work really hard at it.

The Guardian

"It sounds obvious, but many aren't," says Flory.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow up the phrase with an explanation or justification, even if brief, to reinforce the point and prevent misunderstanding.

Common error

Avoid using "it sounds obvious" as a way to dismiss a point or discourage further discussion. Even if something seems obvious to you, others may benefit from a more detailed explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds obvious" functions as a discourse marker, typically used to preface a statement that the speaker believes to be self-evident or widely understood. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it sounds obvious" is a versatile discourse marker that signals a statement's apparent self-evidence while often prompting further discussion or justification. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. However, it's crucial to use it judiciously, avoiding assumptions about universal understanding and fostering open dialogue. Remember to follow up the phrase with context or a nuanced explanation to avoid shutting down the conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It appears obvious

A direct synonym, interchangeable in most contexts.

It seems clear

Focuses on the clarity and lack of ambiguity.

It seems self-evident

Emphasizes the quality of being evident without needing proof or explanation.

It's plainly apparent

Stresses the easiness to be noticed or understood.

It's evidently clear

Highlights the clear and obvious nature of something, leaving no room for doubt.

It's manifestly obvious

Emphasizes the undeniable and conspicuous nature of something.

It appears straightforward

Highlights the apparent simplicity and lack of complexity.

It stands to reason

Indicates that something is logical and can be easily inferred.

It goes without saying

Suggests that something is so obvious it doesn't need to be explicitly stated.

It's a no-brainer

Informal way to say something requires little to no thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "it sounds obvious" to introduce a statement that seems self-evident but is often neglected. For example, "It sounds obvious, but consistent practice is key to mastering any skill".

What are some alternatives to saying "it sounds obvious"?

Alternatives include "it seems clear", "it appears obvious", or "it goes without saying", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it sounds obvious" or "it is obvious"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "it sounds obvious" acknowledges the potential for the statement to be perceived as self-evident, while "it is obvious" states the obviousness as a fact. The choice depends on the intended tone.

When should I avoid using "it sounds obvious" in writing?

Avoid using "it sounds obvious" if you are unsure whether your audience will find the statement obvious, or if you want to encourage a deeper exploration of the topic. It could potentially shut down further discussion.