obvious explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obvious explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a reason or justification that is clear and easily understood by most people. Example: "The delay in the project was due to an obvious explanation: the unexpected technical difficulties we encountered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

An obvious explanation is inadequacy.

The New York Times - Arts

The obvious explanation is longer working hours.

The Economist

No obvious explanation exists for the melting.

The New York Times

That's the easy, and most obvious explanation.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's another obvious explanation this spring.

The Guardian

There is an obvious explanation for this.

The Guardian - Sport

He provides an obvious explanation for that.

The Guardian - Sport

The obvious explanation is that there is a mental block".

The New York Times - Sports

This time, there was no such obvious explanation.

The New York Times

Obvious explanation: The governor wants him out of here.

The New York Times

The problem was that there was no obvious explanation.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obvious explanation", ensure that the context indeed makes the explanation clear to the audience. Overusing it might suggest a lack of deeper analysis or consideration of alternative viewpoints.

Common error

Avoid assuming that what is an "obvious explanation" to you is equally apparent to everyone else. Always consider your audience's background knowledge and perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious explanation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "obvious" modifies the noun "explanation". It serves to identify a reason or justification that is easily understood. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obvious explanation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce a clear and easily understood reason. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. While prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. Remember to ensure the explanation is genuinely obvious to your audience and avoid redundancy. Explore related phrases like "clear rationale" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evident reason

Substitutes 'obvious' with 'evident', highlighting the clear and apparent nature of the reason.

self-explanatory reason

Highlights that the reason requires no additional explanation, as it is inherently clear.

clear rationale

Replaces 'explanation' with 'rationale', emphasizing the logical basis of the reason.

readily apparent explanation

Combines 'readily apparent' to stress the ease with which the explanation can be seen or understood.

apparent cause

Replaces 'explanation' with 'cause', focusing on the origin or source of something that is easily seen.

straightforward reason

Similar to 'plain justification', but emphasizes the uncomplicated nature of the reason.

unmistakable rationale

Emphasizes the certainty and clarity of the underlying reason.

plain justification

Uses 'plain' instead of 'obvious', indicating a simple and straightforward reason.

easily understood reason

Expands on the idea of being obvious by explicitly stating that the reason is easy to understand.

simple answer

Replaces 'explanation' with 'answer', suggesting a direct and uncomplicated response.

FAQs

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

You can use "obvious explanation" to introduce a reason or cause that is easily understood. For example, "The project's delay had an obvious explanation: the team lacked sufficient resources."

What are some alternatives to "obvious explanation"?

You can use alternatives like "clear rationale", "evident reason", or "apparent cause", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very obvious explanation"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very obvious explanation" can be redundant. The word "obvious" already implies a high degree of clarity. Consider using a stronger, more precise alternative if further emphasis is needed.

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

It is appropriate when the reason or cause is genuinely straightforward and easily discernible. However, avoid using it as a shortcut to bypass deeper analysis or critical thinking.