ostensibly obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ostensibly obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears to be clear or evident at first glance, though it may not be as straightforward upon closer examination. Example: "While the solution seemed ostensibly obvious, further analysis revealed several underlying complexities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could be easier still to forget Darren Wilson, now that he has ostensibly retired – "for obvious reasons", he says, gesturing to security risks that he "cannot allow".

The Guardian - Opinion

Before my cinematic idols went on to encompass fatally flawed heroes, silver-tongued ladykillers and anti-establishment mental patients, the recipe for coolness, as demonstrated by Keanu Reeves in the summer of '94, was blindingly obvious and ostensibly achievable: chew a lot of gum, do a lot of intense squinting, and – crucially – speak as few words as possible.

The Guardian - Film

It cuts to the heart of the crisis:But the problem for John Mack is that it's not obvious what the markets are ostensibly worried about.

The Economist

Of course, Italian parents might not be as curmudgeonly as me - indeed, the day we visited Gardaland, Italy's biggest theme park, which graces the southern shores of Lake Garda, the place was positively heaving with child-free adults, ostensibly in their right minds, yet with no obvious excuse for being there.

The Guardian - Travel

And Vasquez's 8.6 highlights an obvious disparity, but ball movement has been ostensibly cleaner with Vasquez on the court.

The Washington Post

The killer is never the first person they arrest, just like it's never the most obvious suspects or the person who is ostensibly the good guy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This is the way, Ms. Arbus underscores, that evil does its most effective work — in an offhand manner, not through the obvious gesture but while the mind is ostensibly occupied with other things.

The New York Times

Historically, many participants in the discussion have been ready to grant that, at least when the religious significance of the event is obvious and the doctrine or claim it ostensibly attests is not otherwise objectionable, the miracle must have been worked by God and that it provides significant confirmation for the doctrine or claim.

SEP

But the Dalai Lama also had some concrete things to say, ostensibly about the problems of his own land, but with obvious relevance to his listeners.

The Economist

If someone was crazy enough to try human cloning despite the obvious risks, like the UFO worshippers that started Clonaid (ostensibly a human cloning company), the results might be grotesque.

Forbes

What's attracting the Samwar brothers' investment vehicle to region in this latest price comparison guise is ostensibly significant growth in the number of online shops there — an obvious pre-requisite for a price comparison website.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether using both "ostensibly" and "obvious" is redundant. Choose the word that best conveys your intended meaning, as using both can sometimes weaken your writing.

Common error

Avoid stacking adverbs and adjectives unnecessarily. Using both "ostensibly" and "obvious" can make your sentence sound wordy. Choose the most precise word to streamline your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ostensibly obvious" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, where "ostensibly" modifies "obvious". It suggests that something appears evident or clear on the surface, but this appearance might be misleading or deceptive. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ostensibly obvious" is grammatically correct but its usage can be redundant. It is used to describe something that seems clear at first glance, but might not be upon closer examination. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid, though it's important to consider whether using both words is necessary, or if one word could convey the meaning more precisely. Using alternatives like "seemingly clear" or "apparently evident" might offer more concise and impactful options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superficially obvious

Explicitly states that the obviousness is only on the surface, implying a lack of depth.

outwardly obvious

Focuses on the superficial appearance of being obvious, potentially contrasting with a deeper truth.

presumably obvious

Emphasizes an assumption of obviousness, which might not be accurate.

apparently obvious

Suggests that something seems obvious based on available evidence, but may not truly be.

seemingly obvious

Indicates an appearance of obviousness without guaranteeing it is actually the case.

visibly obvious

Highlights the clear visibility of something, suggesting it is easily seen or noticed.

supposedly obvious

Implies that the obviousness is claimed or believed, but possibly falsely.

allegedly obvious

Suggests the obvious nature is asserted but not proven, often implying doubt.

manifestly obvious

Indicates that something is undeniably and clearly obvious.

clearly obvious

Highlights the clarity and ease with which something can be understood.

FAQs

How can I use "ostensibly obvious" in a sentence?

The phrase "ostensibly obvious" suggests something appears clear or evident, but might not be upon closer inspection. For example: "While the answer was "ostensibly obvious", further research revealed underlying complexities."

What does "ostensibly" mean?

The word "ostensibly" means apparently or purportedly, but perhaps not actually. It implies a discrepancy between appearance and reality.

Is it redundant to say something is "ostensibly obvious"?

Yes, it can be redundant. "Obvious" already implies something is easily perceived or understood. Using "ostensibly" suggests the obviousness might be misleading. Consider if you need both words or if one can suffice.

What are some alternatives to "ostensibly obvious"?

Alternatives include "seemingly clear", "apparently evident", or "superficially obvious". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.