obvious answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obvious answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a response that is clear or easily understood without much thought. Example: "When asked who would win the game, the obvious answer was the team with the best record."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Silly question: obvious answer.

The Guardian

There's no obvious answer.

The New York Times

But it's the obvious answer.

The New Yorker

There is no obvious answer.

The New York Times

The obvious answer is films.

The Economist

No obvious answer is offered.

The Guardian - Film

The obvious answer is price.

The New York Times - Travel

The obvious answer is race".

The New York Times

The obvious answer is confusing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The obvious answer: Cold calling really works.

Columbia University

The obvious answer is: He just does.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obvious answer" when you want to convey that a solution or explanation is easily understood and requires little to no further analysis. It's effective in simplifying complex situations or emphasizing a point that should be readily apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "obvious answer" when dealing with nuanced or intricate problems. This phrase can oversimplify complex issues, potentially undermining the depth of understanding required for an informed decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious answer" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a response or solution that is easily and readily understood. Ludwig examples show it often follows a question, indicating a solution that is straightforward and requires little deliberation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

15%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obvious answer" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a response that is easily understood. As highlighted by Ludwig, its frequent appearance in News & Media, Science, and Academia, indicates its broad applicability across various domains. While its simplicity is its strength, caution should be exercised to avoid oversimplification in complex scenarios. Alternatives such as "clear response" or "evident solution" can add nuance depending on the context. Ultimately, "obvious answer" serves as a useful tool for indicating agreement, providing quick resolutions, and emphasizing simplicity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear response

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the response.

evident solution

Focuses on the solution being easily seen or understood.

apparent reply

Highlights that the reply is easily perceived or understood.

plain response

Underscores the simplicity and straightforwardness of the answer.

readily apparent solution

Stresses the ease with which the solution can be seen or recognized.

easily understood answer

Highlights the lack of difficulty in comprehending the answer.

unmistakable response

Emphasizes the lack of doubt or confusion about the response.

self-evident solution

Focuses on the solution being obvious without needing further explanation.

straightforward reply

Highlights the directness and simplicity of the reply.

unambiguous solution

Emphasizes the lack of multiple interpretations or uncertainty in the solution.

FAQs

How can I use "obvious answer" in a sentence?

You can use "obvious answer" to describe a solution or explanation that is easily understood. For example, "The "obvious answer" to the problem was to simply restart the computer."

What can I say instead of "obvious answer"?

You can use alternatives like "clear response", "evident solution", or "apparent reply" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "obvious answer"?

It's appropriate to use "obvious answer" when the solution or explanation is straightforward and easily discernible. Avoid using it when the situation is complex or requires deeper analysis.

What's the difference between "obvious answer" and "simple solution"?

"Obvious answer" implies that the solution is easily apparent, while "simple solution" suggests that the solution is not complicated to implement, although it might not be immediately obvious.