it went without saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it went without saying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something was so obvious that it didn't need to be said. For example, "She was the most qualified candidate, so it went without saying that she got the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Rather, it went without saying.

The New York Times

It went without saying.

The New Yorker

It went without saying that he couldn't go outside.

The New Yorker

A century ago, it went without saying that they did.

The Guardian

And it went without saying that it was bent on becoming the globe's financial capital.

The New York Times

It went without saying that he would replace DiCarmine and Sanders.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It goes without saying.

The New York Times - Magazine

It goes without saying almost.

The New York Times

"The importance of it goes without saying".

The New York Times

Also (it goes without saying) Proust.

The New York Times - Books

(Caruso, it goes without saying, was taken).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it went without saying" to streamline your writing by avoiding the need to explicitly state something that is already evident to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "it went without saying" excessively in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes be perceived as too informal. Opt for more precise language to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it went without saying" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something was so obvious or understood that it did not need to be explicitly stated. As Ludwig AI clarifies, the phrase indicates something so obvious that it didn't need to be said.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it went without saying" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something is obvious or understood without needing explicit explanation. According to Ludwig AI, you can use it to express the idea that something was so obvious that it didn't need to be said. It is predominantly found in news and media contexts and can also be appropriate in formal business communications. While versatile, it is best to avoid overuse in highly formal or academic settings, opting for more precise language instead. Alternatives such as "it was understood", "it was a given", and "it was implicit" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was understood

Indicates a mutual understanding without explicit communication, focusing on the implicit agreement.

it was a given

Suggests something was certain or inevitable, requiring no further discussion or confirmation.

it was self-evident

Highlights the obvious nature of something, implying its truth or validity is easily perceived.

it was implicit

Emphasizes that something was suggested or implied, though not plainly expressed.

it was a foregone conclusion

Implies the outcome was predetermined or inevitable from the start.

it was naturally assumed

Focuses on the assumption that something was naturally taken for granted.

it stood to reason

Indicates that something was logical or reasonable, making it unnecessary to state.

it's a truism

Highlights the statement as a self-evident or obvious truth.

it's axiomatic

Presents the statement as a fundamental truth that requires no proof or explanation.

it's common knowledge

Suggests something is widely known and accepted by everyone.

FAQs

How can I use "it went without saying" in a sentence?

Use "it went without saying" to indicate that something is so obvious that it doesn't need to be explicitly stated. For example, "After their stellar performance, "it went without saying" that they would win the competition".

What is a more formal alternative to "it went without saying"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it was understood", "it was implicit", or "it was a given" instead of "it went without saying".

Is "it goes without saying" the same as "it went without saying"?

"It goes without saying" and "it went without saying" are similar, but "it goes without saying" is in the present tense, implying it's always true or relevant, while "it went without saying" is in the past tense, referring to a specific past situation.

Can "it went without saying" be used in academic writing?

While generally acceptable, using "it went without saying" in academic writing depends on the context. It's better suited for less formal sections. In more formal sections, opting for more precise and explicit language is advisable.