no-brainer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "no-brainer" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a decision or choice that is very easy to make or obvious. Example: "Choosing to invest in renewable energy was a no-brainer for the company given the current market trends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

— 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

No-brainer, eh?

The New York Times - Magazine

That's another no-brainer.

The New York Times

That was a no-brainer".

The New York Times

It's a no-brainer savings".

The New York Times

It seems a no-brainer.

The New York Times - Sports

Broccoli rabe, a no-brainer.

The New York Times - Food

It seemed a no-brainer".

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no-brainer" when you want to emphasize the obviousness or ease of a decision or solution. It's particularly effective in persuasive writing to quickly establish agreement.

Common error

While "no-brainer" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "clear choice" or "straightforward decision" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no-brainer" functions primarily as a noun, often used to describe a decision, solution, or task that is extremely easy or obvious. Ludwig AI confirms this, with numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts to highlight simplicity and clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "no-brainer" is a common and easily understood expression used to describe something that requires little or no thought. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, it is generally considered informal and should be used cautiously in formal writing where alternatives like "clear choice" or "straightforward decision" might be more appropriate. Overall, "no-brainer" is a useful phrase for emphasizing the obviousness or ease of a decision in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious choice

This alternative directly replaces "no-brainer" emphasizing the clarity and ease of the decision.

easy decision

This phrase highlights the simplicity involved in making the decision, similar to "no-brainer".

foregone conclusion

This suggests that the outcome was predictable or inevitable, akin to a "no-brainer".

plain sailing

This idiom implies that something is easy and without difficulty, much like a "no-brainer" decision.

a piece of cake

This idiom describes something very easy to do or accomplish, similar to the ease implied by "no-brainer".

walk in the park

This idiom describes something that is easy and enjoyable, sharing the sense of effortless decision-making.

cinch

This term suggests something easily accomplished or assured, like a "no-brainer".

dead cert

This phrase indicates something is virtually certain to happen or be successful, similar to the assuredness of a "no-brainer".

open and shut case

This idiom refers to a situation where the outcome is obvious and easily decided, comparable to a "no-brainer".

easy peasy

This informal phrase conveys extreme ease, mirroring the simplicity associated with a "no-brainer".

FAQs

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

You can use "no-brainer" to describe a decision or solution that is very easy or obvious. For example, "Choosing the higher paying job was a "no-brainer"".

What can I say instead of "no-brainer"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "no-brainer" in formal writing?

While generally understood, "no-brainer" is considered informal. In formal writing, alternatives like "clear choice" or "straightforward decision" are more suitable.

What does it mean when someone says something is a "no-brainer"?

Saying something is a "no-brainer" means that the decision or solution is so obvious that it requires little to no thought. It implies a clear and easy choice.