less than obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not immediately clear or apparent, often in discussions or analyses where clarity is needed. Example: "The solution to the problem was less than obvious, requiring a deeper understanding of the underlying principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Naftali is a less than obvious choice.

The New Yorker

It requires deciphering crude pictographs with less than obvious meanings on the minute display screen.

The New York Times - Tech

But the signs guiding visitors on this route are less than obvious.

Independent

But it costs about $5,000, and its practical value to most people is, well, less than obvious.

The New York Times

But, to outsiders, the merits of spending public money on private sector expertise are less than obvious.

The Guardian

Investors are continuing to be pushy, perhaps even pushier, although their activities are sometimes less than obvious.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

(First runner-up: Mark Rylance, another less-than-obvious candidate).

The New York Times

The company's ownership is famously opaque, its products often utilitarian in look and cheap in feel and its store layouts rather obviously manipulative you have to go through the "showroom" first to get to the actual furniture; veterans take advantage of less-than-obvious shortcuts.

The Economist

As she sang her less-than-obvious set choices — a version of the bebop song "Bernie's Tune," with words by Lieber and Stoller; "Monk's Mood," by Monk, with words by the Dutch singer Soesja Citroen; and Bessie Smith's "Take It Right Back" — she stamped out the lines with authority and power and a bit of outrageousness, as if they were home truths, not history assignments.

The New York Times - Arts

Germany is another less-than-obvious area of interest for Neilson.

Forbes

One less-than-obvious option was to join forces with the Tsais, who are one of Taiwan's richest families.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less than obvious" when you want to gently suggest that something isn't immediately clear without being overly critical or negative. It's more nuanced than simply saying something is "unclear".

Common error

Avoid using "less than obvious" as a substitute for specific details. If possible, clarify what exactly is not obvious to improve clarity and prevent confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than obvious" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is not immediately apparent or easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

16%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less than obvious" is a versatile adjective phrase used to indicate something that is not immediately apparent or easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It finds frequent application across news, media, scientific, and general content, especially when nuance is required. The phrase’s grammatical correctness and consistent usage across authoritative sources contribute to its high expert rating. When writing, use "less than obvious" to gently suggest that something is not immediately clear, but avoid overusing it as a substitute for specific details or explanations. Alternatives include "not immediately clear", "not readily apparent", and "subtle". This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase, helping you use it effectively and avoid common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not immediately clear

Emphasizes the lack of immediate clarity.

Not readily apparent

Highlights that something isn't easily visible or noticeable.

Not self-explanatory

Directly states that something requires additional explanation.

Subtle

Focuses on the understated or delicate nature of something.

Not straightforward

Highlights the complexity and indirectness.

Obscure

Indicates a lack of clarity and potential difficulty in understanding.

Requires careful consideration

Emphasizes the need for thoughtful analysis.

Implicit

Indicates something is implied rather than expressly stated.

Esoteric

Suggests knowledge is limited to a small group.

Underlying

Focuses on the hidden or fundamental nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "less than obvious" in a sentence?

You can use "less than obvious" to describe something that isn't immediately apparent or easily understood. For example, "The connection between the two events was "less than obvious", requiring further investigation."

What are some alternatives to "less than obvious"?

Alternatives include phrases like "not immediately clear", "not readily apparent", or "subtle", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not obvious" or "less than obvious"?

"Less than obvious" softens the statement and suggests a degree of subtlety, while "not obvious" is a more direct assertion. The best choice depends on the desired tone and the context.

When should I avoid using "less than obvious"?

Avoid using "less than obvious" if you can provide a more specific and direct explanation. If something is genuinely confusing, clarifying the issue is more helpful than simply stating it's "less than obvious".