obvious enough

USAGE SUMMARY

"obvious enough" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when something is obvious, but you want to add emphasis to it. For example: "The answer to this question is obvious enough - yes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's obvious enough.

The New York Times - Travel

The answer seems obvious enough.

The Guardian

Some of that is obvious enough.

Independent

The off-ice stories are obvious enough.

The New York Times

Obvious enough, perhaps, but is anyone listening?

The Economist

The love bit is obvious enough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

An obvious enough qualification, it would seem.

The New York Times - Books

Not ironic enough and not obvious enough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What's round the corner is obvious enough.

The Guardian - Opinion

The world's complications were obvious enough.

The New Yorker

The risks in the strategy are obvious enough.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obvious enough" to subtly emphasize that something should be readily understood, often implying a mild surprise that it isn't already.

Common error

Avoid using "obvious enough" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes come across as condescending or dismissive. Opt for more neutral phrases like "clearly" or "evidently".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious enough" functions as an adjectival modifier amplified by an adverb. It describes the degree to which something is apparent or easily understood. Ludwig examples show it modifying nouns or clauses, emphasizing the clarity of a situation or fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obvious enough" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the clarity and self-evidence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its suitability for various contexts, though it is most frequently encountered in news and media sources. When writing, remember that while it is appropriate for neutral settings, overuse in formal writing can detract from the tone. Alternatives like "clearly" or "readily apparent" may be more suitable for formal settings. Remember that this expression can emphasize an understanding that might already be in place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

readily apparent

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be seen or understood.

plain to see

Highlights the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the observation.

easily understood

Focuses on the comprehensibility of the subject matter.

patently obvious

Stresses the undeniable and overt nature of the obviousness.

clear as day

Uses a simile to emphasize the unmistakable clarity of something.

unmistakably clear

Highlights the absence of any ambiguity or doubt.

evident to all

Indicates that the obviousness is universally recognized.

undeniably obvious

Emphasizes the impossibility of denying the clear nature of something.

manifestly clear

Suggests that something is obviously and undeniably apparent.

unquestionably obvious

Highlights that something is clear and without any question or doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "obvious enough" to express that something is quite clear or evident, as in "The reason for the change was "obvious enough"" or "The risks involved are "obvious enough"".

What are some alternatives to saying "obvious enough"?

Instead of "obvious enough", you might use phrases such as "clearly", "evidently", "plain to see", or "readily apparent", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "obvious enough" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "obvious enough" might be considered too informal for certain types of formal or academic writing. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "clearly" or "evident".

What does "obvious enough" imply beyond simple clarity?

The phrase "obvious enough" often carries a subtle implication that something should be easily understood, sometimes suggesting mild surprise or impatience if it isn't. It can also serve to add emphasis to the clarity of a situation.