obvious question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obvious question" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to refer to a question that is very easy to see or understand, often because the answer is apparent. Example: "Many people have been asking the obvious question: Why did the company suddenly change its pricing strategy?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An obvious question remains.

Independent

I asked the obvious question.

The New York Times

The obvious question is: Why?

Harvard University

So what's the obvious question?

Yale University

This raises one obvious question.

The Guardian - Opinion

DAN MCGINN: Now, obvious question.

Harvard Business Review

This raises an obvious question.

MIT Technology Review

It begs an obvious question.

The Times

The obvious question that no one  asks.

Independent

The obvious question: Why computer memory?

The New York Times

All of which raises an obvious question.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obvious question" to introduce an inquiry that naturally arises from the context and requires addressing to move the discussion forward.

Common error

Avoid using "obvious question" when the inquiry requires deep thought or specialized knowledge to formulate; it can undermine the complexity of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious question" functions as a discourse marker, signaling the introduction of a query that logically follows from the preceding information. Ludwig confirms this through its numerous examples across diverse contexts. This phrase frames the subsequent inquiry as a natural and expected element of the discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obvious question" serves as a useful tool for introducing a point of inquiry that arises naturally from the context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency of use across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While versatile, it's important to ensure its appropriateness to avoid undermining complex topics. Consider alternatives like "evident inquiry" or "logical question" to refine your expression. By understanding its function and usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "obvious question" to guide discussions and analyses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

straightforward question

The inquiry is easy to understand and answer.

evident inquiry

Emphasizes the clarity and easiness of the question being asked.

logical question

Emphasizes that it's the sensible question to ask.

apparent question

Stresses how easily the question is understood by the audience.

foreseeable question

Focuses on the predictability and anticipated nature of the inquiry.

expected question

Highlights that it's a typical question.

predictable question

This option is about how easily people can see the question coming.

unavoidable question

Highlights that the question needs to be answered.

plain question

Focuses on the simplicity and directness of the inquiry.

basic question

Highlights how fundamental or elementary is the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "obvious question" to introduce a query that arises naturally from the information presented. For example, "Given the data, the "obvious question" is: how can we improve efficiency?"

What's a good alternative to "obvious question"?

Alternatives include "evident inquiry", "logical question", or "straightforward question", depending on the context.

When is it inappropriate to use "obvious question"?

It's best to avoid using "obvious question" when the inquiry is complex or requires specialized knowledge. In such cases, it may imply that the issue is simpler than it is.

Is there a difference between "obvious question" and "simple question"?

Yes, "obvious question" implies that the question arises naturally from the context, while "simple question" refers to the ease of understanding or answering the inquiry. They are not always interchangeable.