patently so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patently so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is clearly or obviously true. Example: "The evidence presented in the report is patently so, leaving no room for doubt about the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The conflict between his homosexuality and the hostile society he found himself in was the source of his dramatic music, more patently so than is the case of, say, Tchaikovsky.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This is patently untrue, so beware this over-compensation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(By the way, contra George Will, the filibuster is unconstitutional — patently, outrageously so).

The New Yorker

People like rags-to-riches stories, wanting to think everyone has a fair chance to rise by merit and effort – even when it's patently not so.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am stating the patently obvious, so please forgive me, but there is a point here.

Huffington Post

In response, Angus Fraser wrote: "Obviously, it is sad to see such a dedicated, patriotic and likeable man forced to give up something that patently meant so much to him, but the inner torment that came with attempting to overcome the mental illness that prevented him from touring with England for more than two years had to be brought to an end.

Wikipedia

Rodger's fantasies are so patently strange and so extreme that they're easy to dismiss as simply crazy.

The New Yorker

Why did the German people not protest when all was so patently lost?

Independent

This was so patently false that it gave the jury reason to discredit the officers altogether.

The Economist

A potential conflict of interest is rarely so patently on display.

The New Yorker

Kelley wondered whether the profession could possibly endure, since it seemed so patently fraudulent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patently so" to underscore the undeniable nature of a statement, lending emphasis and conviction to your writing. However, be mindful of overusing it, as its intensity can diminish with repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "patently so" when expressing personal opinions or subjective judgments. This phrase asserts an objective truth; its use is inappropriate when stating matters of taste or preference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patently so" functions as an adverbial intensifier, modifying a statement to emphasize its obviousness or undeniable truth. It is used to underscore the certainty of a claim, as supported by Ludwig's confirmation of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "patently so" is an adverbial phrase used to emphasize the obviousness of a statement. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in writing, although its frequency is uncommon. It is most often found in news and media contexts, conveying a neutral to formal tone. While effective for underscoring certainty, avoid overusing it or applying it to subjective opinions. Consider alternatives like "clearly obvious" or "evidently true" for variety. As Ludwig AI tells us, the phrase is correct and can be used to strengthen your statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patently obvious

Combines both "patently" and "obvious" for redundant emphasis.

clearly obvious

Emphasizes both clarity and obviousness, intensifying the meaning.

evidently true

Focuses on the truth being apparent from the evidence.

plainly obvious

Highlights the simplicity and ease of perceiving the obviousness.

unquestionably so

Indicates a lack of doubt or dispute about the matter.

indisputably true

Suggests that the truth is beyond any possibility of disagreement.

manifestly clear

Stresses the clarity with which something is revealed or displayed.

unmistakably evident

Highlights the impossibility of mistaking the evidence.

incontrovertibly so

Emphasizes the irrefutable nature of the statement.

demonstrably true

Indicates that the truth can be proven or shown.

FAQs

What does "patently so" mean?

"Patently so" means obviously or clearly true. It's used to emphasize that something is undeniable or easily apparent.

Is "patently so" formal or informal?

"Patently so" leans towards a more formal register, suitable for professional writing or academic discourse. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

What can I say instead of "patently so"?

You can use alternatives like "clearly obvious", "evidently true", or "plainly obvious" depending on the context.

How do I use "patently so" in a sentence?

Use "patently so" to reinforce a statement that is self-evident or easily proven. For example: "The evidence presented in the report is patently so, leaving no room for doubt about the findings."