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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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obviously no

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

'obviously no' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're expressing a clear negative in response to a question or suggestion. For example: Q: Would you like to go out for dinner tonight? A: Obviously no. I'm broke.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Obviously, no.

Obviously no heroin.

Obviously no, it's absurd".

News & Media

The Guardian

Fairly obviously, no.

There was obviously no defense".

News & Media

The New York Times

Obviously, no swimmer is perfect.

News & Media

Independent

"Well, obviously, no," Linklater replied.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The answer is obviously no.

There was obviously no carryover.

"Do I like this? Obviously, no.

Most obviously: no hotel rooms needed.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obviously no" to express a negative answer that is self-evident or widely understood to avoid unnecessary explanation. It's effective when the context makes the negative clear.

Common error

Avoid using "obviously no" in formal or academic writing where a more nuanced or detailed explanation is expected. In such contexts, provide a reasoned argument instead of relying on the perceived obviousness.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

"Obviously no" functions as an emphatic negative response, indicating a clear and often self-evident rejection or disagreement. It combines an adverb of certainty (obviously) with a negative particle (no), reinforcing the negativity. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used in responses where the answer is deemed self-explanatory.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obviously no" is a frequently used phrase to express a clear and evident negative response. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, though less common in formal writing. The phrase combines the certainty of "obviously" with the negativity of "no", making it a direct and emphatic way to dismiss a question or suggestion. Its prevalence in news media and common conversation underscores its utility in everyday communication. When a more nuanced or detailed response is expected, consider using alternatives such as "clearly not" or providing a more reasoned explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "obviously no" in a sentence?

Use "obviously no" to give a clear and evident negative answer. For example, "Do you think this plan will work? Obviously no."

What are some alternatives to saying "obviously no"?

You can use alternatives like "clearly not", "of course not", or "absolutely not" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "obviously no"?

It is appropriate when the negative answer is self-evident or commonly understood. However, avoid using it in formal or academic settings where more detailed explanations are expected.

Is "obviously no" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "obviously no" is generally considered informal. Formal writing often requires more elaborate and reasoned responses rather than relying on perceived obviousness.

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Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: