obvious solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obvious solution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to refer to a solution that is immediately and clearly apparent. For example, "Selling the extra inventory was an obvious solution to help the company make up the budget shortfall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Obvious solution.

The New York Times

The obvious solution: e-mail.

The Economist

Consolidation is an obvious solution.

The New York Times

It was an obvious solution.

The New York Times - Tech

The obvious solution is matrimony.

The Guardian - Money

There is an obvious solution.

The Guardian - Opinion

The obvious solution to this apparent problem?

Independent

There's no obvious solution for Clinton.

The New Yorker

Currency appreciation thus seems the obvious solution.

The Economist

An obvious solution is cross-pollination.

The New Yorker

Machine guns were the obvious solution.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "obvious solution", ensure that the context genuinely supports the idea that the solution is easily discernible to the audience. Avoid using it when the solution might be apparent only to you.

Common error

Be cautious not to use "obvious solution" when the solution is, in fact, not widely recognized or easily implemented. Overusing the phrase can undermine your credibility if the solution requires significant effort or is not immediately clear to others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious solution" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "obvious" modifies the noun "solution". Ludwig AI indicates that it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase used to describe a resolution that is easily apparent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obvious solution" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to describe a readily apparent resolution to a problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. As evidenced by the numerous examples, it frequently appears in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal settings. While straightforward, it's crucial to ensure the context genuinely reflects a solution easily discernible to your audience, to avoid overstating the obvious and undermining your credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear solution

Replaces "obvious" with "clear", maintaining the sense of ease and visibility in finding the solution.

apparent solution

Substitutes "obvious" with "apparent", suggesting the solution is easily noticeable or evident.

evident solution

Replaces "obvious" with "evident", emphasizing the solution's unmistakable and clear nature.

straightforward solution

Replaces "obvious" with "straightforward", indicating the solution is uncomplicated and direct.

simple solution

Substitutes "obvious" with "simple", highlighting the solution's lack of complexity.

easy fix

Replaces the term "solution" with "fix", making it slightly more informal while retaining the meaning of a quick and simple resolution.

self-evident solution

Adding "self-" emphasizes that the solution is clear without need for further explanation.

readily apparent solution

Adds "readily" to emphasize how easily the solution can be found.

logical solution

Suggests the solution is derived from clear reasoning and makes sense.

the solution is clear

Restructures the phrase to emphasize clarity over obviousness, altering the grammatical form.

FAQs

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

You can use "obvious solution" when describing a straightforward and easily recognizable answer to a problem. For example, "The "obvious solution" to the traffic congestion is to build more roads."

What are some alternatives to using "obvious solution"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "clear solution", "apparent solution", or "simple solution".

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

Use "obvious solution" when the answer to a problem is easily seen and requires little explanation. Avoid using it if the solution is complex or not immediately apparent to everyone involved.

Is "obvious solution" formal or informal?

"Obvious solution" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might consider a more sophisticated alternative like "self-evident solution".