not obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not obvious" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when something is not apparent or clear. For example, "The solution to the problem was not obvious at first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that's not obvious.

The Economist

It's not obvious, actually.

The New Yorker

That's not obvious.

Yale University

Is this not obvious?

The New Yorker

And some are not obvious.

The New York Times

Exit opportunities are not obvious.

The Economist

It is not obvious why.

The Economist

The answers are not obvious.

The New Yorker

If so, it's not obvious.

The New York Times - Books

But that was not obvious.

The New York Times

"It's not obvious," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not obvious" to indicate that a fact, solution, or connection is not immediately apparent and requires further thought or analysis. It's effective in academic, professional, and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "not obvious" when describing something that is easily understood or widely known. Overusing it can make your writing sound condescending or needlessly complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not obvious" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a quality of being unclear or not readily understood. Ludwig highlights the usage of this phrase across various contexts, underscoring its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

24%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not obvious" is a versatile and commonly used adjective phrase that indicates a lack of immediate clarity or understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It appears frequently in news media, academic writing, and scientific discourse. When using "not obvious", remember to avoid overuse in simplistic scenarios and consider related phrases like ""not apparent"" or ""unclear"" to fine-tune your meaning. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing contexts, providing a reliable way to signal the need for further thought or investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not apparent

Similar in meaning, focusing on the lack of immediate visibility or understanding.

not evident

Implies the absence of clear signs or proof, making something difficult to ascertain.

not self-evident

Emphasizes that something requires explanation or justification, rather than being inherently obvious.

not immediately clear

Highlights that understanding requires some processing or additional information.

not readily apparent

Focuses on the difficulty in perceiving or understanding something quickly or easily.

unclear

A general term for a lack of clarity or understanding.

subtle

Suggests that something is understated and requires careful observation to be noticed.

obscure

Indicates that something is vague and difficult to perceive or understand.

hidden

Suggests something is intentionally concealed or not easily found.

requires further investigation

Emphasizes the need for additional inquiry or analysis to understand something fully.

FAQs

What does "not obvious" mean?

The phrase "not obvious" indicates that something is not easily or immediately understood or recognized. It suggests that further thought or investigation may be required.

How can I use "not obvious" in a sentence?

You can use "not obvious" to point out a subtlety or a lack of clarity. For instance, "The solution to the problem was "not apparent" at first glance" or "The connection between the two events is "not immediately clear"".

What are some alternatives to "not obvious"?

Alternatives include phrases like "not apparent", "not evident", "unclear", "subtle", or "obscure". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not obvious" or "not self-evident"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "not self-evident" is stronger and emphasizes that something requires justification or explanation. "Not obvious" is a more general term for something not easily understood. The choice depends on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.