obvious problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obvious problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when it's clear from the context that there is a problem, and you want to draw attention to how obvious it is. For example: "The applicant's lack of qualifications was an obvious problem that disqualified him from the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A seemingly obvious problem resulted.

The New York Times

Money is the obvious problem.

The Guardian - Travel

One is the obvious problem.

The Guardian

There's one other obvious problem.

The Guardian

But there's an obvious problem.

The Guardian - Business

This raises the obvious problem of habit.

Independent

But this approach has an obvious problem.

The New York Times - Science

The most obvious problem remains security.

The Guardian

There is one obvious problem with the Standard Model.

The New York Times - Books

Rousseau's definition of political liberty raises an obvious problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the scribblers, the most obvious problem is deceit.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "obvious problem", ensure that the context indeed makes the problem self-evident to the audience. Overusing it can sound condescending.

Common error

Avoid using "obvious problem" when the issue requires significant expertise or background knowledge to understand. Instead, provide context or explain the problem clearly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'obvious' modifies the noun 'problem'. It serves to highlight an issue that is easily recognized or apparent. Ludwig AI confirms its general acceptance in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obvious problem" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a readily apparent issue. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptance in English writing. As the data indicates, it is frequently used in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using "obvious problem", it's important to ensure the problem is indeed evident to your audience and to avoid overuse, which can come across as condescending. Alternatives like ""apparent issue"" or ""clear difficulty"" can provide nuance. Be mindful of the context to avoid stating the obvious when more expertise is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apparent issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and "obvious" with "apparent", maintaining the same meaning.

readily apparent difficulty

Emphasizes the ease of noticing the difficulty by using "readily apparent" instead of "obvious".

clear difficulty

Substitutes "obvious" with "clear" and "problem" with "difficulty", conveying a readily noticeable challenge.

easily discernible issue

Highlights the ease of identifying the issue by using "easily discernible" instead of "obvious".

evident challenge

Uses "evident" instead of "obvious" and "challenge" instead of "problem", indicating a manifest difficulty.

manifest concern

Replaces "obvious" with "manifest" and "problem" with "concern", suggesting a readily apparent worry.

patent drawback

Substitutes "obvious" with "patent" and "problem" with "drawback", implying an easily noticeable disadvantage.

plain snag

Uses "plain" instead of "obvious" and "snag" instead of "problem", indicating a straightforward obstacle.

unmistakable hitch

Replaces "obvious" with "unmistakable" and "problem" with "hitch", conveying a clear impediment.

straightforward matter

Indicates a simple problem by using "straightforward matter" instead of "obvious problem".

FAQs

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

You can use "obvious problem" to highlight an issue that is easily noticeable or apparent. For example, "The "obvious problem" with the design is its lack of safety features."

What are some alternatives to "obvious problem"?

Alternatives include "apparent issue", "clear difficulty", or "evident challenge". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very obvious problem"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very obvious problem" can be redundant, as "obvious" already implies a high degree of clarity. Consider using stronger synonyms or rephrasing for emphasis if needed.

What's the difference between "obvious problem" and "hidden problem"?

"Obvious problem" refers to an issue that is easily noticeable, while "hidden problem" refers to an issue that is not immediately apparent and requires investigation to uncover. They are antonyms.