obvious to spot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obvious to spot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is easily noticeable or discernible. Example: "The error in the report was obvious to spot, making it easy for the editor to correct it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Those who miss are obvious to spot … they have wet legs!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is usually very obvious to spot the male plants because they have visibly large pollen sacs attached to the bines, as pictured below.

Cornell University

The similarity is not important in itself but it's a reminder that today's political comedians aren't so obvious to spot as Thomas's generation were but are probably more numerous, and like Minchin, aim to set the rational against the reactionary.

Independent

We've been through the lot of them far too many times, and now the box is – well, not hidden, but not as obvious to spot as it might be.

The Guardian - Books

High tackles, knock ons, offsides are actually quite obvious to spot, so there is no need for replays.

BBC

Although the most toxic blooms are often the biggest and most obvious to spot, toxins can linger after a bloom can no longer be seen.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Some loons prefer to nest on rafts as they have obvious boundaries to spot predators and can rise and fall with changing water levels in the lake.

Huffington Post

Police had failed to spot obvious intimidation on election day, the judge said.

The Guardian

We were going on a safari with local experts so we set off with a feeling of obvious excitement, eyes wide to spot the first of the evening's big beasts.

Independent

By spending a few minutes checking your work, you'll be able to spot obvious and silly errors that may result in losing marks.

BBC

It does not excuse researchers from their own quality control and diligence, but may serve as a last chance to spot obvious errors.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obvious to spot" when you want to emphasize that something is easily noticeable without requiring much effort or scrutiny. It's suitable for describing physical attributes, errors, or straightforward situations.

Common error

While "obvious to spot" is acceptable, in formal or academic writing, consider using more precise alternatives such as "easily discernible" or "readily apparent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious to spot" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate something is easily noticeable or detectable. This phrase, as supported by Ludwig, emphasizes the ease with which something can be identified.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obvious to spot" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, indicating something that is easily noticeable or discernible. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing its use across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While not exceptionally frequent, its usage is appropriate in many situations, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional writing. The phrase serves to emphasize the ease of detection, ensuring clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easily discernible

Replaces "obvious to spot" with a more formal adjective, emphasizing ease of distinguishing.

readily apparent

Uses a synonym for "obvious" and a synonym for "visible", maintaining a similar level of formality.

plain to see

Offers a more informal and direct alternative, emphasizing simplicity of observation.

easily detected

Focuses on the act of detection rather than inherent obviousness, shifting the emphasis slightly.

immediately visible

Stresses the immediacy of visibility, adding a sense of urgency or impact.

clear as day

Employs an idiom to convey extreme clarity and visibility, differing in tone.

noticeable at a glance

Highlights the speed and ease with which something can be noticed.

unmistakable

Indicates that something is so clear it cannot be mistaken for anything else.

patent

A more formal term that means obvious or easily recognizable, often used in legal or technical contexts.

sticking out like a sore thumb

Uses an idiom to describe something very noticeable, usually because it is inappropriate or out of place.

FAQs

How can I use "obvious to spot" in a sentence?

You can use "obvious to spot" to describe something easily noticeable. For example, "The mistake in the document was "obvious to spot", even on a quick review."

What are some alternatives to "obvious to spot"?

Alternatives include "easily discernible", "readily apparent", or "plain to see", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "obvious to spot" grammatically correct?

Yes, "obvious to spot" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe something that is easy to notice or identify.

What is the difference between "obvious to spot" and "easy to see"?

While similar, "obvious to spot" emphasizes the ease of identification, whereas "easy to see" focuses on visual clarity. You might use "obvious to spot" when something requires a bit more than just sight, such as recognizing a pattern or error, as opposed to something simply being "easy to see".