not so subtle

USAGE SUMMARY

"not so subtle" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is not very subtle or concealed. For example: "The irony was not so subtle; everybody in the room knew what was going on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Well, not so subtle!

The New Yorker

I guess it's not so subtle now.

The Guardian - Money

He was not so subtle this time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dialectologists explore these differences, both subtle and not so subtle.

Stanford University

He did however make not so subtle references to them.

The Guardian

But not so subtle is the snack's aftertaste.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The fund had been called "I.M. Fanton", a not-so subtle references to "phantom".

Forbes

Others, not-so-subtle.

Harvard Business Review

These are not-so-subtle hints.

The Economist

Its not-so-subtle address: www.bushinsecurity.com.com

The New York Times

Consider the message shown above a not-so-subtle hint.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "not so subtle" to indicate gentle criticism or disapproval without being overly harsh. It acknowledges the lack of subtlety while maintaining a degree of politeness.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on the phrase "not so subtle", as overuse can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "rather obvious" or "fairly evident" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not so subtle" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its widespread use allows it to directly modify a noun implying the obvious nature of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not so subtle" serves as a versatile adjectival modifier, ideal for gently criticizing a lack of subtlety or expressing mild amusement. As Ludwig AI highlights, its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across various sources solidify its status as a reliable and useful expression. While predominantly found in News & Media, its presence extends to academic and encyclopedic contexts, showcasing its adaptability. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain impact and avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather obvious

Indicates a slightly higher degree of obviousness compared to "not so subtle".

blatantly obvious

Emphasizes a very high degree of obviousness, more so than "not so subtle".

plain as day

Suggests the idea is extremely easy to notice, more colloquial than "not so subtle".

hardly inconspicuous

Uses a double negative to imply something is quite noticeable, similar to "not so subtle".

somewhat overt

Suggests something is openly displayed, slightly more formal than "not so subtle".

fairly evident

Indicates that something is reasonably clear and apparent, akin to "not so subtle".

quite noticeable

Highlights the ease with which something can be observed, similar to "not so subtle".

distinctly apparent

Emphasizes a clear and unmistakable appearance, somewhat stronger than "not so subtle".

unmistakably clear

Highlights lack of ambiguity. Meaning is extremely easy to understand.

patently obvious

Indicates a fact or situation that is undeniably clear and evident.

FAQs

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

You can use "not so subtle" to describe something that is obvious or easily perceived, but not explicitly stated. For example: "His attempt to impress her was "not so subtle"."

What is a good substitute for "not so subtle"?

Alternatives to "not so subtle" include "rather obvious", "fairly evident", or "hardly inconspicuous". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not so subtle" or "not very subtle"?

Both "not so subtle" and "not very subtle" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference, although "not so subtle" might carry a slightly more informal or playful tone.

What does "not so subtle" imply?

"Not so subtle" suggests that something is quite obvious or noticeable, even if it's not explicitly stated. It often implies a lack of finesse or discretion in the way something is done or expressed.