it was obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence 'it was obvious' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is clearly evident, either to yourself or to other people. For example: "It was obvious that he was nervous when he stepped up to the microphone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was obvious".

The New York Times

It was obvious why.

The New York Times

But it was obvious.

The New York Times - Sports

I thought it was obvious.

The New York Times

It was obvious she knew.

The New York Times

To me, it was obvious.

Harvard Business Review

"It was obvious," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

It was obvious that he could not.

The New York Times

It was obvious they were ill.

The New York Times

It was obvious to her, too.

The New York Times

"It was obvious Michele was the star".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was obvious" to highlight a point that should be easily understood or recognized by others. It adds emphasis to your statement, ensuring the listener or reader grasps the self-evidence of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "it was obvious" when describing intricate or nuanced situations. Overusing it in such contexts can simplify the problem and reduce its complexity. If a problem requires deep thinking, it's better to avoid this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was obvious" functions as an assessment or observation. It serves to highlight something that is easily perceived or understood. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was obvious" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is easily perceived or understood. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. Primarily found in News & Media, but also used in academic and scientific settings, this phrase serves to emphasize clarity and ensure the audience recognizes the self-evident nature of a situation. While versatile, avoid overusing it in complex scenarios to prevent oversimplification. Consider using alternatives like "it was clear" or "it was evident" for nuanced expressions of clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was clear

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes clarity.

it was evident

This option is very similar, suggesting something is easily noticed or perceived.

it was plain to see

This is a more descriptive and slightly informal way of saying something was obvious.

it was apparent

This alternative is a bit more formal, indicating something is readily seen or understood.

it was no secret

This implies that something was not hidden and generally known.

it was understood

This suggests there was a general agreement or assumption.

it was a given

This means something was a certainty or taken for granted.

it was self-explanatory

This emphasizes that something required no further explanation.

it was transparent

This implies something was easily seen through or understood without difficulty.

it was a foregone conclusion

This indicates that the outcome was predictable or inevitable.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was obvious" to describe something easily understood or noticed. For example, "it was obvious he was nervous" or "it was obvious they were ill".

What are some alternatives to "it was obvious"?

Alternatives include "it was clear", "it was evident", or "it was plain to see". The choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "it was obvious to me" different from "it was obvious"?

"It was obvious to me" specifies that the observation was clear to the speaker, while "it was obvious" implies it should be clear to everyone. The first is a personal perspective, the second implies a general truth.

When is it inappropriate to use "it was obvious"?

Avoid using "it was obvious" if there is a chance of sounding condescending or dismissive, especially in situations where others might not have the same knowledge or perspective. If someone expresses an opinion different from yours, perhaps choose less confrontational language.