not so obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

"not so obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something appears not to be apparent or clear. For example, "I noticed the faint smudge on the painting, but its cause was not so obvious."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science & Research

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's fairly complicated because what the proper adjustments are is not so obvious," he says.

Science Magazine

The answer is actually not so obvious.

The New York Times

The greens' switch was not so obvious.

The New York Times - Sports

Is it not so obvious?" Wolf posted.

The Guardian - Opinion

This distinction is not so obvious.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other features are not so obvious.

The New York Times - Arts

Answers, sadly, are not so obvious.

The New York Times

The answer must be yes, but it's not so obvious.

The New Yorker

"What we are doing is not so obvious".

The New Yorker

The depth of the batting is not so obvious.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

UNEXPECTED COSTS Several not-so-obvious costs may also arise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not so obvious" to introduce a counterintuitive point or a hidden aspect of a situation. It's effective for adding depth to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "not so obvious" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and diminish the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not so obvious" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It serves to qualify or describe something that is not immediately apparent or easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not so obvious" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate a lack of immediate clarity or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it frequently appears in news, media, and scientific contexts. When writing, use "not so obvious" to introduce subtle or complex ideas, but avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "not immediately clear" or "less than obvious" can provide variety. The phrase serves to add depth to your writing by signaling that an idea requires further consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not immediately clear

Emphasizes the lack of immediate clarity.

not readily apparent

Highlights the difficulty in perceiving or understanding something quickly.

not easily discernible

Focuses on the challenge in distinguishing or recognizing something.

not plainly evident

Stresses that something is not obviously visible or noticeable.

not intuitively understood

Indicates that understanding requires more than just intuition.

less than obvious

Uses a comparative to show a reduced level of obviousness.

not crystal clear

Uses a metaphor to indicate a lack of clarity.

obscure

A single-word alternative denoting something hidden or not well-known.

subtle

Suggests that something is understated and requires careful observation.

underlying

Implies that something exists beneath the surface and is not immediately visible.

FAQs

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

Use "not so obvious" to introduce an idea, fact, or detail that isn't immediately apparent or easily understood. For example, "The solution seemed simple, but the implications were "not so obvious"".

What are some alternatives to "not so obvious"?

Alternatives include "not immediately clear", "not readily apparent", or "less than obvious", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "not obvious" or "not so obvious"?

"Not obvious" is a direct negation, while "not so obvious" implies a degree of subtlety or hidden complexity. The better choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. The first emphasizes the simple lack of clarity, the second implies the existence of layers beneath the surface.

What's the difference between "not so obvious" and "counterintuitive"?

"Not so obvious" means something is not easily perceived or understood, whereas "counterintuitive" describes something that goes against what one would expect. Something that is "not so obvious" may become clear with explanation, while something counterintuitive remains surprising even when understood.