patently alert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patently alert" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is clearly and obviously attentive or aware of their surroundings or situation. Example: "During the meeting, she was patently alert, taking notes and asking insightful questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Dougie Brown, by reputation the reliable journeyman, conceded four bound- aries in his first over to various corners of the ground, all to the patently alert Hall.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If there was such a thing as the Four Horsemen of the Environmental Apocalypse, China would be it: the water is unfit for human consumption, the air patently unhealthy, the country-side has been neutered, and now we are caught in the throes of a menacing health alert -- another outbreak of Avian flu (a.k.a. the H9N7 avian influenza).

Huffington Post

Patently untrue.

The Guardian - Sport

Argentina patently.

The Guardian - Sport

Patently, that's progress.

The Economist

"That's patently obvious.

The New York Times

This is patently untrue.

The New Yorker

This was patently absurd.

The New York Times

This is patently wrong.

The Economist

That is patently unsustainable.

The Economist

This was patently false.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patently alert" to describe someone whose attentiveness is not only present but also obvious to others, especially when their alertness leads to a noticeable action or response.

Common error

Avoid using "patently alert" excessively in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound redundant. Opt for simpler alternatives like "clearly attentive" or "obviously aware" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patently alert" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (usually a person). It describes a state of being clearly and obviously attentive or aware. Ludwig confirms this usage with an example demonstrating a person's clear attentiveness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Patently alert" is a phrase used to describe someone who is obviously and unmistakably attentive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun and primarily appears in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare. Consider using synonyms like "obviously attentive" or "clearly vigilant" for broader applicability. The phrase implies a readily apparent state of awareness, making it suitable when you want to emphasize the unmistakable nature of someone's alertness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obviously attentive

Replaces "patently" with "obviously", focusing on the clarity of attentiveness rather than its self-evident nature.

clearly vigilant

Substitutes both words to highlight a state of clear watchfulness.

plainly observant

Emphasizes the straightforward and noticeable nature of observation.

distinctly aware

Highlights a clear and unmistakable state of awareness.

unquestionably sharp-witted

Shifts the focus to mental acuity, implying alertness of mind.

evidently perceptive

Replaces "alert" with "perceptive", stressing the evident ability to understand or notice things.

manifestly watchful

Uses "manifestly" to emphasize the open and apparent nature of being watchful.

conspicuously on guard

Highlights a state of being noticeably prepared or ready for potential threats.

unmistakably sharp

Focuses on the undeniable keenness and quickness of thought or perception.

unarguably observant

Highlights that the state of being observant is not open to debate.

FAQs

How can I use "patently alert" in a sentence?

You can use "patently alert" to describe someone who is clearly and obviously attentive. For example: "The security guard was "visibly attentive" to everything happening around him, making him "clearly vigilant"".

What can I say instead of "patently alert"?

Alternatives to "patently alert" include phrases like "obviously attentive", ""clearly vigilant"", or "distinctly aware", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "patently alert" formal or informal?

"Patently alert" leans towards the formal side due to the word "patently", but its overall tone is neutral and can be used in various contexts.

What's the difference between "patently alert" and "clearly alert"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "patently alert" suggests the alertness is undeniable and self-evident, whereas "clearly alert" simply indicates that the alertness is easily perceived.