painfully obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "painfully obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is extremely clear or evident to the point of causing discomfort or annoyance. It can be used in both formal and informal writing. Example: It was painfully obvious that the company's new marketing strategy was failing, as sales had dropped significantly in the past month. In this sentence, the phrase "painfully obvious" emphasizes the speaker's frustration and disappointment with the situation. It also conveys that the failure of the marketing strategy was something that was easily noticeable and clearly apparent.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or painfully obvious ones.

The New York Times

It's just painfully obvious.

The New York Times

The demographic costs are becoming painfully obvious.

The Economist

But it was painfully obvious to me.

The New York Times

Of course, it seems painfully obvious now.

The New Yorker

That's certainly true, if painfully obvious.

The New York Times

Sometimes these opportunities seem painfully obvious.

Harvard Business Review

"But last month it was painfully obvious".

The New Yorker

Moral: What is Nondiscernible today may be Painfully Obvious tomorrow.

The New Yorker

As a game, however, its limitations are painfully obvious.

Independent

The problem for Giles Deacon at Ungaro is painfully obvious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "painfully obvious" when you want to emphasize not only that something is clear, but also that its clarity is unwelcome or causes discomfort. For example, use it to describe a problem or shortcoming that is impossible to ignore.

Common error

Avoid using "painfully obvious" when a neutral term like "clear" or "evident" would suffice. The phrase carries a negative connotation, so reserve it for situations where the obviousness is genuinely problematic or undesirable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "painfully obvious" functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the degree to which something is apparent or evident. It highlights that the obviousness is not only clear but also causes a sense of discomfort, frustration, or negativity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "painfully obvious" is a commonly used adjectival phrase to describe something that is extremely clear and apparent, often with a negative or unwelcome connotation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in formal business settings, and academia. While grammatically sound and widely used, it's essential to reserve it for situations where the obviousness itself is problematic, and avoid overuse in contexts where a neutral term would suffice. Semantically related alternatives include "blindingly obvious" and "patently clear", each offering slight nuances in meaning. While usable in different types of texts, its slightly informal tone suggests is best to consider the tone intended before utilizing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blindingly obvious

Emphasizes the clarity and inescapability of the obvious fact.

patently clear

Highlights the undeniable and evident nature of something.

glaringly apparent

Stresses the visibility and ease of noticing something.

abundantly clear

Indicates that something is extremely obvious and leaves no room for doubt.

plain as day

Emphasizes the simplicity and obviousness of something.

impossible to miss

Focuses on the characteristic of being very easy to notice or understand.

sticks out a mile

This emphasizes how noticeable something is, usually suggesting it is hard to ignore.

crystal clear

This emphasizes clarity and preciseness and avoids negative connotation of "painfully".

unmistakably obvious

This highlights that there is no doubt of obviousness.

readily apparent

This highlights how easily perceived or understood something is.

FAQs

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

You can use "painfully obvious" to describe something that is very clear and apparent, often in a negative or undesirable way. For example: "It was painfully obvious that the project was over budget."

What's a less negative alternative to "painfully obvious"?

If you want to express that something is obvious without the negative connotation, you could use alternatives like "clearly evident", "plainly obvious", or "readily apparent".

Is it ever appropriate to use "painfully obvious" in formal writing?

Yes, "painfully obvious" can be used in formal writing when you need to convey that something is not only evident but also causes discomfort or concern. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.

What is the difference between "painfully obvious" and "blindingly obvious"?

"Painfully obvious" suggests the obviousness is unwelcome or problematic, while "blindingly obvious" simply emphasizes the extreme clarity and inescapability of the fact, without necessarily implying a negative outcome.