obvious person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obvious person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone whose characteristics or intentions are clear and easily understood by others. Example: "In the meeting, it became clear that he was the obvious person to lead the project due to his extensive experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Despite his personal connection, Baptiste might not seem like the most obvious person to launch a new fitness startup — his last company, Onswipe, was a mobile publishing startup acquired by Beanstock Media in 2014.

TechCrunch

It's usually the most obvious person".

The New York Times

There was no obvious person in charge, and no obvious plan being carried out.

The New Yorker

The culprit, she said, was always the most obvious person; he just didn't seem so.

The New Yorker

For communities in which a priest functions, he is the obvious person to make sacrifices.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He said Allan was the obvious person to conduct an inquiry.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

What can operators do to boost traffic and maximise transport revenues?The answer seems obvious: person-to-person communication.

The Economist

I should have known then what is now quite obvious: one person's "clarification" is another person's "brutal attack".

The New York Times

As she observes in one of her interminable statements of the obvious, "The person I found inside me was a person intent upon hiding out".

The New York Times - Books

If he doesn't know, it's obvious this person is not from where he says".

The Guardian

The work is called "Faces in the Hood", but it also reflects the Motor City, stalled.Once upon a timeWhen described, the work may sound overbearing and obvious; in person it is magical.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obvious person", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the person is considered obvious, providing specific reasons or qualifications.

Common error

Avoid using "obvious person" when the person's suitability is not genuinely apparent to everyone. Instead, provide context or justification to clarify their qualifications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious person" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "obvious" modifies the noun "person". It typically serves to identify an individual who is the most apparent or logical choice for a particular role, task, or situation. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obvious person" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who is the most apparent or logical choice for a given situation. As Ludwig confirms, its usage spans various contexts, particularly news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While generally neutral, the phrase's effectiveness hinges on the clarity and universality of the person's suitability. Alternatives like "clear choice" or "evident candidate" can offer subtle variations in emphasis. In essence, "obvious person" serves as a concise descriptor, provided the reasons for their obviousness are well-established.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear choice

Emphasizes the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the selection.

evident candidate

Highlights the visible and apparent suitability of the individual.

logical choice

Focuses on the rationale and reasoning behind the selection.

natural choice

Suggests the selection is intuitive and expected.

foregone conclusion

Implies the outcome was predictable and inevitable.

go-to person

Highlights the individual as a reliable and frequent resource.

first choice

Indicates preference over other candidates or options.

most suitable person

Emphasizes qualifications and appropriateness for a specific role.

likely suspect

Specifically used in contexts involving suspicion or investigation.

prime suspect

Indicates the person is the main focus of suspicion.

FAQs

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

You can use "obvious person" to indicate someone who is the most logical or apparent choice for a role or task. For instance, "Given her expertise, she was the "obvious person" to lead the project".

What are some alternatives to "obvious person"?

Alternatives include "clear choice", "evident candidate", or "logical choice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It is appropriate when someone's qualifications or suitability are readily apparent and widely recognized. If there is any ambiguity, it's better to provide context to justify the choice.

Is "obvious person" formal or informal?

"Obvious person" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or business writing.