needs no explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs no explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to show that something is so clear and obvious that further explanation is not necessary. For example, "It's clear that the process needs to be improved – the inefficiency needs no explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mariano Rivera needs no explanation.

The New York Times

This at least needs no explanation.

Independent

My curiosity, I trust, needs no explanation.

The New York Times - Arts

To every Cornell student, this needs no explanation.

Cornell University

Or perhaps Matsui needs no explanation at all.

The New York Times - Sports

Their radicalism needs no explanation; it simply casts a spell.

The New York Times - Arts

But his name probably needs no explanation now.

The New York Times

Iverson said he needs no explanation from Brown as to why he left.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps the Spartan defeat needs no explanation other than Theban superiority.

Britannica

But the vertiginous allure of the best tracks needs no explanation.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Unless, of course, I consult the reams of messianic exegesis that Beuys - 'art needs no explanations' - left behind.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "needs no explanation" to streamline your writing by avoiding unnecessary details when a point is already obvious to your audience. This enhances clarity and conciseness.

Common error

Avoid using "needs no explanation" when addressing complex or nuanced topics that may require further elaboration for a broader audience. Even if something seems obvious to you, consider whether it might benefit from a brief explanation for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs no explanation" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something is self-evident, obvious, or universally understood. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and frequently used in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs no explanation" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something is self-evident or universally understood. Ludwig AI affirms its usability, with examples spanning news media, academic, and scientific contexts. While very common, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring the point is indeed obvious to your audience. Alternatives such as "is self-explanatory" or "requires no further clarification" can provide a more formal tone when needed. Overall, it's a valuable tool for concise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is self-explanatory

Highlights the characteristic of being understood without external interpretation.

requires no further clarification

Emphasizes the lack of necessity for additional explanation to be fully understood.

is patently obvious

Stresses the clear and undeniable nature of the fact or situation.

is abundantly clear

Indicates a high degree of clarity and ease of understanding.

speaks for itself

Suggests the inherent quality to convey its meaning without external support.

is crystal clear

Implies a flawless level of comprehensibility and transparency.

is too obvious to mention

Signifies that stating the obvious is superfluous, given its evident nature.

is a given

Indicates that something is pre-established, not requiring proof or further discussion.

goes without saying

Emphasizes the lack of need to express something because it's already understood.

is plainly evident

Underscores that something is easy to see or understand

FAQs

How can I use "needs no explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "needs no explanation" to indicate that something is self-evident or obvious. For example, "The popularity of social media among young adults "needs no explanation"."

What are some alternatives to "needs no explanation"?

Alternatives to "needs no explanation" include phrases like "is self-explanatory", "requires no further clarification", or "speaks for itself", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "needs no explanation" in formal writing?

While "needs no explanation" is generally acceptable, it might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "is self-evident" or "requires no further elaboration" for a more professional tone.

What does it mean when someone says something "needs no explanation"?

When someone says something "needs no explanation", it means the topic or situation is so clear and obvious that providing additional details or reasons is unnecessary. It's assumed that the listener or reader already understands the point.