it was obviously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was obviously" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is clear or apparent to the speaker or writer, often in relation to a situation or fact. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it was obviously a mistake that could have been avoided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was obviously false.

The Guardian

It was obviously the difference".

The New York Times - Sports

It was obviously fated".

The Guardian - Film

It was obviously heartfelt.

The New York Times

It was obviously misconstrued".

The Guardian

It was obviously unnecessary.

The New York Times

It was, obviously, awkward.

The Guardian - Film

It was obviously the murder weapon.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"It was obviously an ambush.

The New York Times

"It was obviously very silly.

The Guardian

But it was, obviously, thought through.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was obviously" to succinctly convey that something is clear and easily understood, enhancing the flow of your writing by avoiding lengthy explanations of self-evident points.

Common error

Avoid using "it was obviously" excessively, as it can make your writing sound condescending or dismissive. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "it was clear" or "it was evident" to maintain a more balanced and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was obviously" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the degree to which something is apparent or evident. Ludwig's examples show it qualifying statements about facts or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was obviously" is a common phrase used to express that something is clear or apparent. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently found in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for many contexts. While useful for emphasizing certainty, overuse can lead to a condescending tone, so consider synonyms like "it was clear" or "it was evident" for variety. Use this tool wisely to add clarity and conviction to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was clearly

Replaces "obviously" with "clearly", maintaining a similar level of formality and directness.

it was evident

Substitutes "obviously" with "evident", suggesting that something is easily perceived or understood.

it was apparent

Uses "apparent" instead of "obviously", indicating that something is easily noticed.

it was unmistakable

Replaces "obviously" with "unmistakable", emphasizing the clarity and certainty of something.

it was definitely

Uses "definitely" instead of "obviously", which is a less formal option.

it was plain to see

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be understood or noticed.

it was beyond doubt

Indicates there's no reason to disbelieve something.

it stood to reason

Suggests that something was logical or predictable based on the circumstances.

it goes without saying

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

it was a foregone conclusion

Indicates that the outcome was certain from the beginning.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was obviously" to indicate that something is easily understood or apparent. For example, "After seeing the damage, "it was obviously" a serious accident".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was obviously"?

You can use alternatives like "it was clear", "it was evident", or "it was apparent" to express a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "it was obviously" or "it was clear"?

Both "it was obviously" and "it was clear" are acceptable, but "it was clear" may sound slightly more formal and less potentially condescending. The best choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

What does "it was obviously" imply in a conversation?

"It was obviously" implies that the speaker believes something should be easily understood or apparent to everyone. It can sometimes come across as dismissive if used inappropriately.