obviously false

USAGE SUMMARY

'obviously false' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that you believe to be false, and you want to emphasize your view. For example, "He claims that we are out of time, but that is obviously false."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was obviously false.

The Guardian

Thought about why people give excuses that are obviously false?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In 1993, he called Ivana's allegations "obviously false".

The New Yorker

The level-playing field of democratic idealism is obviously false.

The Guardian - Opinion

The joke that a degree in communications is a waste of time is obviously false.

The Guardian - Opinion

These kinds of allegations are absurd and obviously false and the McCain campaign knows it.

The Guardian - Opinion

He scribbled his numbers — obviously false — on the margins and above the printed type.

The New Yorker

Levi had an obviously false identity card, which he ate ("The photograph was particularly revolting").

The New Yorker

Waller thought the results seemed obviously false, and he called his supervisor, Michael Pitts, to warn him.

The New Yorker

However, there simply is no evidence for this thesis, and, what is more, it seems obviously false.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The hubristic belief in America that "we don't have financial crises" is now obviously false, said Mr Rogoff.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obviously false" to express a strong disagreement or point out a clear error. Be mindful of your audience and the potential for disagreement, as overuse can come across as condescending.

Common error

While "obviously false" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in academic or professional writing. Opt for more nuanced language to demonstrate critical thinking and avoid sounding dismissive. For instance, instead of saying "The premise is obviously false", you could write "The premise lacks empirical support" or "The premise contradicts established findings".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obviously false" functions as an adjectival phrase used to express disagreement or to characterize a statement as untrue. It indicates a strong conviction that something lacks truth. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obviously false" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is clearly untrue. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for general use, though it's important to consider the context. It appears frequently in news and media, but less so in formal academic writing where more nuanced phrasing might be preferred. The phrase serves as a direct contradiction, dismissing claims as lacking truthfulness. Related phrases like "clearly false" or "patently untrue" can offer a more formal tone, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definitely false

Emphasizes the certainty of the falsehood, similar to "obviously false".

clearly false

Highlights the clarity and ease with which the falsehood can be recognized.

patently untrue

Stresses the undeniable nature of the falsehood.

blatantly false

Suggests the falsehood is not only obvious but also brazenly presented.

transparently dishonest

Focuses on the lack of honesty in the statement, making the deception easily seen.

indisputably false

Highlights the lack of any reasonable argument against the falsehood.

demonstrably untrue

Implies that the falsehood can be proven through evidence.

unquestionably false

Similar to "indisputably false", but suggests a broader acceptance of the falsehood's nature.

manifestly false

Focuses on the self-evident nature of the falsehood.

plainly untrue

Emphasizes the simplicity and directness with which the falsehood can be perceived.

FAQs

How can I use "obviously false" in a sentence?

You can use "obviously false" to describe statements or claims that are clearly untrue. For example, "His claim that the Earth is flat is "obviously false"."

What's a less direct way to say "obviously false"?

Alternatives include "clearly false", "patently untrue", or "demonstrably untrue". These options may be more suitable in formal or academic contexts.

Is it appropriate to use "obviously false" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, using "obviously false" in academic writing might be seen as too informal or dismissive. More nuanced and evidence-based phrasing is often preferred.

Which is correct, "obviously false" or "obviously a false"?

"Obviously false" is the correct and more common construction. "Obviously a false" is grammatically incorrect.