obviously it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obviously it was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is clear or evident, often in response to a situation or statement. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it became clear that obviously it was a mistake on their part."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Obviously, it was something there.

The New York Times - Sports

Obviously it was the latter.

The New York Times

Obviously it was really weird.

The New York Times - Magazine

Obviously it was a tax.

The New York Times

Although, obviously, it was".

The Guardian - Sport

Obviously, it was jarring.

The Guardian - Opinion

Well obviously it was.

The Guardian

Obviously it was super cheesy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Obviously, it was a break.

The New York Times - Sports

Obviously, it was harder today".

The New York Times - Sports

"Obviously, it was up tight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obviously it was" to concisely indicate that something is evident based on the available information or context. Ensure that the context makes the obviousness clear to your audience to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing "obviously it was", as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Be careful not to use it in a condescending way, implying the reader should already know something, which can alienate them. Consider whether the point truly is obvious to your intended audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obviously it was" functions as an adverbial phrase providing emphasis to a statement. It indicates that the speaker considers the statement to be self-evident or easily inferred. Ludwig confirms this through its numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obviously it was" is a common expression used to emphasize the self-evident nature of a statement. Ludwig AI validates this, demonstrating its frequent use across various contexts. While grammatically correct, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid sounding repetitive or condescending. Alternatives like "clearly it was" or "evidently it was" can provide a more nuanced expression depending on the context. Ultimately, understanding the intended audience and the desired tone is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was clearly the case

Highlights the unambiguous truth of the matter.

it was patently obvious

Highlights the overt and undeniable nature of the fact.

it was plainly evident

Emphasizes the clear and easily observable nature of the situation.

it was undoubtedly so

Stresses the lack of doubt or question surrounding the event.

it was self-evident

Indicates that the fact is obvious without needing further explanation.

it was a foregone conclusion

Suggests the outcome was predictable or inevitable from the start.

it goes without saying

Emphasizes that the point is so obvious it doesn't need to be stated.

it was no surprise

Highlights a lack of astonishment because the event was predictable.

as one might expect, it was

Highlights that a certain outcome was anticipated based on prior knowledge or experience.

it stood to reason

Indicates that the situation aligned with logical expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "obviously it was" in a sentence?

You can use "obviously it was" to state something that is clear from the context. For example, "The team lost three key players to injury; "obviously it was" going to be a difficult game".

What are some alternatives to "obviously it was"?

Alternatives include phrases like "clearly it was", "evidently it was", or "it was plainly evident", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "obviously it was"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate if the situation isn't actually obvious to everyone, or if you're trying to be polite. Using phrases like "as you can see" or providing a brief explanation can be more tactful.

What's the difference between "obviously it was" and "it was obvious"?

"Obviously it was" places more emphasis on the speaker's certainty and the self-evident nature of the fact. "It was obvious" is a more neutral statement of fact. The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired tone.