obvious stuff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obvious stuff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to things that are clear or easily understood, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "When discussing the project, let's focus on the obvious stuff first before diving into the more complex issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Tech

Opinion

Sport

Arts

Books

Academia

Science

Film

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's just the obvious stuff.

The New York Times

But that is just the obvious stuff.

The Times

Time to get the obvious stuff right.

The Guardian - Sport

The obvious stuff (cola, fizzy water, lemonade etc) works.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And that's just the obvious stuff," our blogger wrote breathlessly.

The Guardian - Tech

It's pretty obvious stuff, this, and makes good sense.

The Guardian

Gail: Besides all the obvious stuff, the Internet is changing the way we communicate through writing.

The New York Times

All obvious stuff, like how did life originate and how does consciousness emerge from the brain.

The Washington Post

"This is obvious stuff if you are connected to your parenting instincts," Maté says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then there is Dave McKean's over-lush, didactic script: too much obvious stuff about sap rising.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some clinicians felt that the training contained 'obvious stuff', while others remarked that it was useful in refreshing their knowledge within the context of a busy practice.

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obvious stuff" in informal contexts to refer to information that is already known or easily understood by your audience. This can help establish a conversational and relatable tone.

Common error

Avoid using "obvious stuff" in formal or academic writing. It can come across as dismissive or lacking in precision. Opt for more specific and professional alternatives like "fundamental principles" or "well-established facts" to maintain a credible tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious stuff" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used to refer to information or concepts that are readily apparent or easily understood. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears in contexts where the speaker or writer wants to quickly move past basic or well-known details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Lifestyle

11%

Tech

4%

Less common in

Opinion

4%

Sport

3%

Arts

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obvious stuff" is a common phrase used to refer to easily understood or already known information. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, it is generally more appropriate for informal or neutral settings, and should be avoided in formal or academic writing in favor of more precise alternatives. The semantic alternatives include "basic facts", "common knowledge", and "self-evident facts".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common knowledge

Highlights that the information is generally known by everyone.

self-evident facts

Emphasizes that the information is so obvious it requires no proof.

basic facts

Focuses on the factual aspect, implying readily available information.

easily understood concepts

Focuses on the simplicity and accessibility of the ideas.

clear matters

Highlights the clarity and ease of understanding of the issues.

evident things

Stresses the readily apparent nature of the items being discussed.

plain truths

Emphasizes the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the facts.

understood concepts

Implies that the ideas are well-known and widely accepted.

known elements

Refers to components that are already familiar or established.

fundamental principles

Highlights the foundational nature of the information.

FAQs

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

You can use "obvious stuff" to refer to things that are easily understood or already known. For example, "Let's skip the "obvious stuff" and focus on the more complex issues."

What are some alternatives to saying "obvious stuff"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "basic facts", "common knowledge", or "self-evident facts".

Is it appropriate to use "obvious stuff" in a formal setting?

While "obvious stuff" is acceptable in informal conversation, it's generally better to use more precise language in formal settings. Consider alternatives like "fundamental principles" or "well-established facts".

What's the difference between "obvious stuff" and "common knowledge"?

"Obvious stuff" is a more general term for things that are easy to understand, while "common knowledge" refers specifically to information that is known by most people.