obvious course of action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obvious course of action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a decision or step that is clear and logical in a given situation. Example: "Given the circumstances, the obvious course of action is to seek professional help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It would seem the obvious course of action for a leftwing – arguably far left – movement.

The Guardian

Shooting in black and white was another obvious course of action: for starters, we figured it offered compositional advantages.

The New York Times

When one of the world's most active volcanoes blows its top, the obvious course of action is to give it a wide berth.

Independent

David Platt took the place of Ince, an obvious course of action given that Ince was unavailable for the next round.

The Guardian - Sport

The obvious course of action for people who want to conserve what they have is to vote for real conservatives rather than false ones.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although the high street will be awash with copycat pieces, the obvious course of action – if you are after a slice of authentic mid-century chic – is to rake through the rails of your nearest vintage emporium.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Choosing which of these plans to pursue and picking the right moment to launch your schemes makes for some agonisingly difficult decisions, and this is a game that isn't shy about layering complexity on top of complexity until you're presented with a succession of brain-melting situations with no obvious best course of action.

Vice

Choosing which of these plans to pursue and picking the right moment to launch your schemes makes for some agonizingly difficult decisions, and this is a game that isn't shy about layering complexity on top of complexity until you're presented with a succession of brain-melting situations with no obvious best course of action.

Vice

Now, the most obvious reason against this course of action is price and if that's your only concern then go out and get the Z980 right now if you need the 27x zoom for a specific purpose.

TechCrunch

To Vance, the right course of action is obvious.

MIT Technology Review

The immediate course of action was obvious: I climbed a ladder to clear away the foliage.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obvious course of action", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the action is indeed obvious to the intended audience. Clarity prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "obvious course of action" when the situation involves nuanced decision-making or requires specialized knowledge. The phrase loses its impact when applied to complex scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious course of action" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As shown in Ludwig, it indicates a decision or step that is clear and logical, requiring little deliberation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obvious course of action" is a commonly used phrase to describe a clear and logical decision or step. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While frequently used, it's important to ensure the action is genuinely obvious to the intended audience and avoid overstating its simplicity in complex situations. Alternatives like "clear path forward" or "logical next step" can provide nuanced variations. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional register, making it suitable for diverse forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear path forward

Emphasizes the clarity and direction of the action.

evident step to take

Highlights the self-evident nature of the action.

logical next step

Focuses on the sequential and rational aspect of the action.

unavoidable action

Stresses the necessity and lack of alternatives for the action.

inescapable measure

Highlights the unavoidable nature of the action due to circumstances.

plain course to follow

Simplifies the choice, emphasizing its straightforward nature.

most sensible option

Focuses on the rationality and sound judgment behind the action.

best line of attack

Framing the action as a strategic approach.

most reasonable step

Underscores the logical and justifiable nature of the action.

direct route to take

Focuses on the straightforwardness and lack of complications in the action.

FAQs

How can I use "obvious course of action" in a sentence?

The phrase "obvious course of action" is used to describe a decision or step that is clear and logical. For example, "Given the company's financial difficulties, the "obvious course of action" is to reduce expenses."

What are some alternatives to "obvious course of action"?

Alternatives include "clear path forward", "evident step to take", or "logical next step" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "obvious course of action"?

It is appropriate when the solution or action is straightforward and requires little deliberation or explanation. The situation should make the action clear to most observers.

Is there a difference between "obvious course of action" and "best course of action"?

Yes, "obvious course of action" implies that the action is clear and apparent, while "best course of action" suggests that it is the most advantageous choice after considering various options. The "best course of action" might not always be the most obvious one.