obviously untenable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obviously untenable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, argument, or position that is clearly unsustainable or indefensible. Example: "The proposal was based on assumptions that were obviously untenable, leading to its rejection by the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Marisol Touraine, the French health minister, acknowledged Sunday that the "status quo is obviously untenable" but sought to put blame on the Sarkozy government for "piling on rules and laws that, in the end, nobody understands anymore".

The New York Times

"By far the greater risk is pathological procrastination by the debtor in the face of an obviously untenable financial situation," he argues, in which a country pursues frantic and ruinously expensive emergency financing in the lead-up to an eventual restructuring.Would a defaulting country have to leave the euro?

The Economist

That's obviously untenable given I'm writing a book about emerging markets and on a 10-plus hour flight every month.

TechCrunch

One of the arguments against the idea that hydrocarbon exposure may cause glomerulonephritis has been that a specific glomerular pattern has never been identified, but as almost all subgroups were found in these experiments this argument is obviously untenable.

BMC Nephrology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"They have this mindless policy of everything having to be simultaneously streamed and released, which is obviously an untenable model for theatrical presentation.

Huffington Post

Obviously this contradiction was untenable.

The New York Times

However, others take a more hardline view and have made people shift to buy-to-let deals, which obviously would make the whole venture untenable.

The Guardian - Money

And that's untenable".

The New Yorker

It may be untenable".

The New Yorker

That's untenable".

The New York Times

This is untenable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obviously untenable" to describe situations or arguments that are so clearly unsustainable or indefensible that they require little explanation. This can add emphasis and prevent lengthy justifications.

Common error

Avoid using "obviously untenable" in highly formal or academic writing where a more nuanced or detailed explanation is expected. Consider replacing "obviously" with a more precise descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obviously untenable" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically a situation, argument, or position. It serves to describe something as being unsustainable or indefensible. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obviously untenable" is a phrase used to describe something that is clearly unsustainable or indefensible. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples from various sources, predominantly news and media. While the phrase is effective for conveying a strong sense of impossibility, it's crucial to consider the context and audience, opting for more nuanced language in highly formal settings. Alternatives like "patently unsustainable" or "clearly indefensible" can offer similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patently unsustainable

Replaces "obviously" with "patently", emphasizing the clear and undeniable nature of its unsustainability.

undeniably unsustainable

Replaces "obviously" with "undeniably" to strengthen the assertion of unsustainability.

clearly indefensible

Focuses on the lack of justification or defense for the situation, replacing "untenable" with "indefensible".

unquestionably indefensible

Uses "unquestionably" to emphasize that the position cannot be defended.

blatantly unsustainable

Uses "blatantly" to highlight the obviousness of the unsustainability, adding a stronger sense of disapproval.

plainly unsupportable

Emphasizes the lack of support or justification, using "plainly" for clarity.

patently impractical

Shifts focus to lack of practicality, replacing untenable with impractical.

evidently not viable

Shifts the focus to the lack of viability or practicality, using "evidently" to denote obviousness.

unmistakably flawed

Highlights inherent problems or defects, making it clearly untenable.

manifestly illogical

Focuses on the lack of logical reasoning or coherence, using "manifestly" to highlight the obviousness.

FAQs

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

You can use "obviously untenable" to describe a situation, argument, or position that is clearly unsustainable or indefensible. For example: "The business model was "obviously untenable" given the rising costs and declining revenue".

What are some alternatives to "obviously untenable"?

Some alternatives to "obviously untenable" include "clearly indefensible", "patently unsustainable", or "plainly unsupportable", depending on the specific context.

Is "obviously untenable" appropriate for formal writing?

While "obviously untenable" is grammatically correct, it might be perceived as too informal for certain formal or academic contexts. Consider using a more precise or nuanced expression in such cases.

What makes a situation "obviously untenable"?

A situation is "obviously untenable" when its flaws or weaknesses are so clear and apparent that it cannot be reasonably maintained or defended. This often involves factors like logical inconsistencies, lack of resources, or unsustainable practices.