obvious similarities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obvious similarities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing clear or easily identifiable resemblances between two or more subjects. Example: "In comparing the two paintings, one can see the obvious similarities in their use of color and composition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Opinion

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were two obvious similarities.

The Guardian

I was attracted to William Bulger's life story because of its obvious similarities to mine.

The New York Times

"I think there are obvious similarities between Brigadier Gerard and Frankel," Grimthorpe says.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet while there are obvious similarities, it's the differences between the books that really matter.

The Guardian - Books

There certainly are obvious similarities, especially with regard to the mainstreaming of the politics of hate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Modesty prevents me from remarking on the obvious similarities between my 17th-century predecessor and myself.

The New York Times

Young Thug comes from Atlanta and has obvious similarities with locals like wannabe astronaut Future.

The Guardian - Music

Size aside, there aren't a lot of obvious similarities between Tom Cruise and Alan Sugar.

The Guardian - Film

Obvious similarities exist between the Ethiopian Airlines and Lion Air crashes.

The New York Times

The obvious differences between Mr. Trump and Mr. McConnell obscure equally obvious similarities.

The New York Times

Reprints Related items Louisiana's new multimillionaireNov 7th 2002The two women have some obvious similarities.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "obvious similarities" with a brief explanation of their significance, enhancing the impact of your observation.

Common error

Avoid using "obvious similarities" as a filler phrase without providing any substantial insight. If the similarities are truly obvious, consider whether they need to be explicitly stated at all. Instead, delve deeper into the implications or nuances of these similarities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious similarities" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it often introduces a comparison or contrast, highlighting shared attributes between different entities. It serves to point out commonalities that are easily recognizable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

10%

Books

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Opinion

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obvious similarities" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase to point out easily recognizable resemblances between different subjects. As shown by Ludwig, it is frequently used in news and media, but its straightforward nature makes it appropriate across various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the similarities you are highlighting are indeed evident to your audience and provide specific examples to support your claim. By avoiding redundancy and focusing on the significance of these similarities, you can enhance the impact of your writing. The various alternative phrases like "apparent resemblances" or "clear parallels" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts, catering to different shades of meaning and levels of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

readily apparent similarities

Highlights how easily the similarities can be found.

easily discernible similarities

Highlights how effortlessly the similarities can be distinguished or recognized.

apparent resemblances

Focuses on resemblances that are easily seen or understood.

patent similarities

Focuses on similarities that are so obvious that they are undeniable.

clear parallels

Emphasizes direct and unambiguous connections between things.

evident commonalities

Highlights shared traits or features that are easily perceived.

noticeable likenesses

Stresses the easily observable similarities in appearance or character.

distinct analogies

Underscores a clear and definable correspondence between different things.

plain affinities

Highlights a natural liking or connection that is easily recognized.

unmistakable correspondences

Emphasizes the undeniable nature of the similarities.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "obvious similarities"?

You can use alternatives like "apparent resemblances", "clear parallels", or "evident commonalities" depending on the context.

How do I effectively use "obvious similarities" in a sentence?

To use "obvious similarities" effectively, follow it with specific examples or explanations to support your claim. For instance, "There are "obvious similarities" between the two novels, particularly in their narrative structure and character development."

What's the difference between "obvious similarities" and "subtle similarities"?

"Obvious similarities" refer to resemblances that are easily noticeable or apparent, while "subtle similarities" are those that are not immediately evident and require closer examination to detect.

Is it redundant to say "very obvious similarities"?

While grammatically correct, saying "very obvious similarities" can be redundant. The term "obvious" already implies a high degree of clarity. Instead, consider focusing on the nature or impact of the similarities.