no brainer

USAGE SUMMARY

"no brainer" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is so obvious or easy that it requires no thought or decision-making. For example, "Buying a house in a safe neighborhood with good schools is a no brainer for any family with children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

That's a no brainer.

The New York Times

Dunham is a no brainer.

The New York Times

To me, it's a no-brainer.

The New York Times

So it's a no brainer".

BBC

For us, it was a no brainer.

BBC

L.G.: The rebuttal is a no brainer.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Looking back, it was a no- brainer".

The Guardian - Sport

— a no-brainer.

The New Yorker

It's a no-brainer".

The New York Times - Sports

Another no-brainer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A no-brainer, right?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no brainer" when you want to emphasize the simplicity and obviousness of a decision or choice, making it clear that little or no thought is required.

Common error

Avoid using "no brainer" in highly formal or professional writing. While widely understood, it can sound too casual and undermine the seriousness of your message. Opt for alternatives like "obvious choice" or "clear decision" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no brainer" functions as a noun, often used predicatively or as a subject complement. It describes something requiring little or no thought. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "no brainer" is a common idiom used to describe something that is obvious or requires little thought. Ludwig AI confirms it's considered grammatically correct and finds it often used in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts like wikis. While perfectly acceptable in many situations, it's important to consider the register of your writing and choose more formal alternatives like "obvious choice" or "clear decision" for professional or academic settings. The choice to use "no brainer" itself is, well, often a no brainer depending on your audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious choice

Highlights the lack of alternative options, emphasizing the straightforward nature of the decision.

easy decision

Focuses on the simplicity and lack of difficulty in making the choice.

foregone conclusion

Implies that the outcome or decision was inevitable or predictable from the start.

self-evident

Emphasizes that the truth or validity of something is clear without needing proof or explanation.

plain as day

Emphasizes the clarity and obviousness of something.

open and shut case

Suggests a situation where the evidence or facts are so clear that there is no room for doubt or argument.

a given

Indicates something that is assumed or accepted without question.

certainty

Indicates something that is sure to happen.

sure thing

Indicates something that is certain to succeed or happen as planned.

inescapable conclusion

Highlights the impossibility of avoiding a particular judgment or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "no brainer" in a sentence?

Use "no brainer" to describe a decision or solution that is extremely obvious or easy. For example, "Choosing the cheaper option was a "no brainer"."

What are some alternatives to saying "no brainer"?

You can use alternatives like "obvious choice", "easy decision", or "foregone conclusion" depending on the context.

Is "no brainer" appropriate for formal writing?

While widely understood, "no brainer" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, it's better to use more professional alternatives like "clear choice" or "self-evident solution".

What does it mean when something is described as a "no brainer"?

It means that the decision or action is so obvious and straightforward that it requires little to no thought or deliberation. It's an easy decision.