patently obvious that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patently obvious that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is clearly and undeniably evident or apparent. Example: "It is patently obvious that the project requires more funding to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It is patently obvious that there is much to celebrate regarding recent HIV breakthroughs.

Independent

It was patently obvious that Higgins and his manager, Pat Mooney, had been set up.

The Guardian

It's just patently obvious that in this case, what the owner is doing is not fair".

The New York Times

It is patently obvious that the issue is not going to go away".

The Guardian

It should be patently obvious that we cannot compete against low-wage nations that have lax labor standards or environmental regulations, if any at all.

The New York Times

Some think it is patently obvious that the iPad is more susceptible to screen damage than a clamshell-case portable notebook.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Also now indispensable to me is By Terry Eyebrow Mascara (£26), a patently obvious invention that, unfathomably, has taken until now to exist.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's patently obvious and to deny that is to deny reality".

The Guardian

But when I saw what the fundamental principles of the blockchain provided it was just patently obvious to me that would make sense around reducing fraud related instances of valuables," she adds.

TechCrunch

While acknowledging the patently obvious fact that "it may seem as if there's a great advantage to being handed someone else's premise and characters" (and story, and structure, and dialogue), he bristles at the notion that the subsequent screenplay would not be considered "original".

The New York Times

These comments, incidentally, made (with Mantel's characteristic subtlety and grace) the patently obvious points that Kate's entire raison d'être now, in the eyes of the media and the royal family, is to be admired and to breed, just as Anne Boleyn's had been.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patently obvious that" when you want to emphasize that something is undeniably clear and requires little to no explanation. Be mindful of your audience, as the phrase can sometimes sound condescending if overused.

Common error

Avoid using "patently obvious that" repeatedly in your writing, as it can make your tone seem arrogant or condescending. Instead, vary your language by using alternatives like "clearly evident that" or "plainly apparent that" to maintain a respectful and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patently obvious that" functions as a connector, specifically used to introduce a clause or statement that is presented as undeniably evident and requires minimal explanation. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in asserting clear and unambiguous facts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "patently obvious that" is a grammatically sound construction used to introduce statements considered undeniably clear. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to assert certainty and emphasize agreement in various contexts, mainly news and media. While generally neutral in register, overuse can lead to perceptions of condescension. Therefore, writers should be mindful of their tone and consider alternatives like "clearly evident that" to maintain an engaging style. The phrase is used in numerous high-quality sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly evident that

Emphasizes clarity and visibility of the fact.

blatantly obvious that

Highlights the obviousness to an almost offensive degree.

plainly apparent that

Indicates a simple and straightforward understanding.

readily apparent that

Suggests the fact is easily and quickly understood.

undeniably clear that

Stresses the impossibility of denying the fact.

unmistakably obvious that

Highlights the lack of any possibility for confusion.

incontrovertibly obvious that

Suggests the obviousness is beyond dispute.

manifestly evident that

Indicates the fact is openly and plainly displayed.

unquestionably clear that

Emphasizes the certainty of the fact.

indisputably obvious that

Highlights the lack of any room for argument.

FAQs

How can I use "patently obvious that" in a sentence?

Use "patently obvious that" to introduce a statement that is undeniably clear and easily understood. For example: "It is patently obvious that the company needs to innovate to stay competitive."

What are some alternatives to "patently obvious that"?

You can use alternatives such as "clearly evident that", "blatantly obvious that", or "plainly apparent that", depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "patently obvious that" formal or informal?

"Patently obvious that" leans towards a slightly formal tone, making it suitable for professional or academic writing. However, it can also be used in less formal contexts where emphasis is needed.

What's the difference between "patently obvious that" and "clearly obvious that"?

While both phrases indicate something is easily understood, "patently obvious that" adds a stronger emphasis on the undeniable nature of the fact. "Clearly obvious that" is a more neutral alternative.