obvious downside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obvious downside" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a clear disadvantage or negative aspect of a situation, idea, or proposal. Example: "While the new policy has many benefits, the obvious downside is that it may lead to increased costs for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

But Tortorella's obvious downside could prove problematic.

The New York Times - Sports

There is an obvious downside to this familiarity with the obstacles implicit within a black Presidency.

The New Yorker

The speed of technological advancement creates an obvious downside to "high tech" superpowers.

The Guardian

However, there is an obvious downside to this – the waiting staff suffer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hence the obvious downside of "Phèdre" from a filmed-theater point of view.

The New York Times

The obvious downside is that the Swiss lost both of those finals.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Are there longer-term and less obvious downsides to cheap oil?

Independent

But what if they had one crazy client who put all his money in Internet stocks in 2000 and then sued?" Both services have obvious downsides.

The New York Times

And then there are other economists who point out the rather obvious downsides: inflation, once it starts, can get out of control.

The New York Times - Magazine

These attractions apparently were great enough to overcome the obvious downsides: "Olympic Games" will invite imitation and retaliation in kind, and it has established new and disturbing norms for state aggression on the Internet and in its side-channels.

The New Yorker

Building roads, nuclear power stations and developments on green fields are bad enough, but these are just the most obvious downsides of a government which never got the environment and never will.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prioritize using "obvious downside" in contexts where the negative aspect is genuinely self-evident. Overusing it can dilute its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "obvious downside" when the negative aspect requires deeper analysis or specific knowledge to understand. Instead, clearly explain the disadvantage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious downside" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, this expression points out a clear disadvantage or negative aspect of something being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obvious downside" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase employed to highlight a readily apparent disadvantage. According to Ludwig AI, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. When deploying this phrase, it's essential to ensure the negative aspect is genuinely self-evident to maintain clarity and avoid misuse. Alternatives such as "clear disadvantage" or "apparent drawback" can be used to provide nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear disadvantage

Emphasizes the lack of benefit or positive aspect, focusing on a clear negative point.

apparent drawback

Highlights a limitation or deficiency that is easily noticeable.

evident pitfall

Focuses on a danger or difficulty that is easily seen.

manifest weakness

Highlights a deficiency that is readily apparent and undeniable.

unmistakable limitation

Indicates a restriction or constraint that cannot be ignored.

patent flaw

Emphasizes a defect that is immediately obvious and easily detected.

glaring fault

Focuses on a mistake or imperfection that is highly conspicuous.

notable shortcoming

Highlights a deficiency or inadequacy that is worthy of attention.

distinct disadvantage

Indicates a clear lack of advantage compared to others.

noticeable deficiency

Emphasizes a lack of something essential or required that is easily observed.

FAQs

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

You can use "obvious downside" to point out a clear disadvantage of something. For example, "The "obvious downside" of this plan is the high cost".

What are some alternatives to "obvious downside"?

Alternatives include "clear disadvantage", "apparent drawback", and "evident pitfall". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "obvious downside" in writing?

It is appropriate when the disadvantage is easily recognizable and requires little to no explanation. If the downside is not immediately clear, it's better to use more descriptive language.

Is there a difference between "obvious downside" and "major disadvantage"?

"Obvious downside" suggests the disadvantage is readily apparent. "Major disadvantage" simply indicates a significant negative aspect, which may not be immediately obvious.