not readily apparent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not readily apparent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not immediately obvious or clear to someone. Example: "The solution to the problem was not readily apparent, requiring further analysis and discussion among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The answer is not readily apparent.

The New York Times

Weaknesses in that Baltimore defense are not readily apparent".

The New York Times - Sports

How Ms. Lynch developed this gift is not readily apparent.

The New York Times - Food

"Obviously, Tyson found something that was not readily apparent.

The New York Times

It was not readily apparent where humans might sit.

The New York Times

To this onlooker, the family resemblance was not readily apparent.

The New York Times

The answer is not readily apparent from his Newport surroundings.

The New York Times

Yet Kennedy had several assets that were not readily apparent at the start of the campaign.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now he provides the Avalanche with scouting reports not readily apparent on film.

The New York Times - Sports

BUT some of the biggest challenges are not readily apparent, Mr. Fanning said.

The New York Times

Second, it's not readily apparent how we could get individual investors involved.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not readily apparent" to convey that something requires deeper inspection or thought to be understood. It's suitable for formal and professional contexts where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "not readily apparent" in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "not obvious" or "not clear" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not readily apparent" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that something is not easily or immediately visible or understandable. Ludwig AI's examples confirm its use in describing subtle or hidden aspects that require further scrutiny.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not readily apparent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily functioning as an adjective phrase to indicate something isn't immediately obvious. Ludwig AI validates its prevalence in formal contexts like scientific and news media, highlighting the need for deeper examination. While versatile, it's best suited for professional or academic writing, with simpler alternatives advised for casual conversation. According to Ludwig's analysis, being mindful of context ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not immediately obvious

Emphasizes the lack of instant clarity or visibility.

not easily discernible

Highlights the difficulty in distinguishing or recognizing something.

not plainly visible

Focuses on the lack of clear visual evidence.

not clearly understood

Stresses the absence of a straightforward comprehension.

not self-evident

Indicates that something requires additional explanation or proof.

not immediately perceptible

Highlights that something is not obvious to the senses right away.

not intuitively grasped

Indicates that understanding requires more than just instinct.

hidden from view

Emphasizes that something is concealed or obscured.

obscure and subtle

Highlights something is unclear and requires careful attention.

underlying but unseen

Indicates that something exists but is not superficially noticeable.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not readily apparent" for better clarity?

You can use alternatives like "not immediately obvious", "not easily discernible", or "not clearly understood" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "not readily apparent" in writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, or professional reports where you need to convey that something is not immediately obvious and requires further analysis.

What's the difference between "not readily apparent" and "not obvious"?

"Not readily apparent" is more formal and emphasizes that something requires deeper inspection to be understood, while "not obvious" is a simpler and more general way of saying something isn't immediately clear.

Is "not readily apparent" considered formal or informal language?

It is generally considered formal language and is best suited for professional, academic, or technical contexts where precision and a sophisticated tone are desired.