not obvious that

USAGE SUMMARY

"not obvious that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is not clear or not easily understood. Example: It is not obvious that the current policies will help the economy recover.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is not obvious that they do.

The New York Times

It's not obvious that they will.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Judaism, it's not obvious that next year is coming".

The New York Times

It is not obvious that this is a good idea.

The Economist

It is not obvious that these countries were held back.

The Economist

But it's not obvious that it can pay it.

The New York Times

It's not obvious that the good outweighs the bad.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not obvious that you want to think about new or renovated housing for poor Americans.

The New Yorker

But few have seen decreases, and it's not obvious that the improvements can be sustained.

The New Yorker

What are the pitfalls, obvious and not obvious, that you envisage could face companies?A.

The Economist

More important, it's not obvious that that was going to change any time soon.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not obvious that" to introduce a counterargument or to express skepticism about a widely held belief. It adds nuance and encourages critical thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "not obvious that" when a simpler, more direct statement would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted. For example, instead of "It's not obvious that the sky is blue", simply state "The sky may not always appear blue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not obvious that" functions as a qualifier or hedge, introducing an element of uncertainty or questioning a stated fact or assumption. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not obvious that" serves as a versatile linguistic tool for expressing skepticism or doubt. As Ludwig AI has confirmed and exemplified across numerous contexts, the phrase maintains grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is most commonly found in "News & Media" and "Science", suggesting its utility in analytical and critical discourse. Alternatives such as "not apparent that" or "not clear that" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. While valuable, avoid overuse and opt for more direct language when appropriate. Ultimately, "not obvious that" allows you to thoughtfully question assumptions and invite deeper exploration of a topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not apparent that

Focuses on the lack of clear visibility or understanding.

not clear that

Emphasizes a lack of clarity or unambiguousness.

not evident that

Highlights the absence of readily available proof or indication.

not plain that

Stresses that something is not straightforward or easily perceived.

not self-evident that

Suggests that something requires further explanation or proof.

not necessarily the case that

Indicates that a particular outcome or situation is not guaranteed.

it is questionable whether

Raises doubt about the certainty or validity of something.

it is uncertain whether

Highlights the lack of certainty about a particular situation or outcome.

it remains to be seen whether

Suggests that the truth or outcome will only become clear in the future.

it is far from certain that

Emphasizes a considerable degree of doubt or uncertainty.

FAQs

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

Use "not obvious that" to introduce a statement that contrasts with common assumptions or expectations. For example, "It's "not obvious that" simply increasing funding will solve the problem".

What are some alternatives to "not obvious that"?

You can use alternatives like "not apparent that", "not clear that", or "not evident that" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "not obvious that"?

Yes, "not obvious that" is grammatically correct and frequently used in both formal and informal writing. According to Ludwig, it's a valid and usable phrase.

What's the difference between "not obvious that" and "obvious"?

"Not obvious that" implies a lack of immediate clarity or understanding, whereas "obvious" indicates something is easily perceived or understood. The former introduces doubt, while the latter asserts certainty.