perfectly obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

"perfectly obvious" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when something is clearly evident and requires no extra explanation. For example: "The answer to the question was perfectly obvious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Why this should be is perfectly obvious.

The Economist

Surely the reason is perfectly obvious.

The Guardian

"It is perfectly obvious that there are serious domestic problems.

The New York Times

In some perfectly obvious narrative ways, it just doesn't add up.

The New York Times - Arts

What's with this constant dissembling about situations that are perfectly obvious?

The Economist

And history makes it perfectly obvious that we shall never - ever - see the guilty punished.

Independent

The "anxiety of influence" situation that resulted was perfectly obvious to Barthelme.

The New Yorker

It made you seem insanely ambitious, like a perfectly obvious character flaw.

The Guardian - Film

The one thing that is perfectly obvious is that they are having a lot of fun!

The New York Times

I should add that it was perfectly obvious to her mother what we were doing.

The New Yorker

It seems to be that Bill Clinton is a perfectly obvious choice," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perfectly obvious" when you want to emphasize that something is easily understood and requires no further explanation. It can add emphasis and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "perfectly obvious" when discussing nuanced or complex topics, as it can oversimplify the issue and potentially alienate readers who may not find the matter as straightforward as you present it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perfectly obvious" functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the degree to which something is apparent or easily understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. It's used to highlight the undeniable clarity of a fact or situation, making it clear that no further explanation is needed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perfectly obvious" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize that something is undeniably clear and easily understood. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is prevalent in diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, but also science and business. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overusing it in highly complex arguments to prevent oversimplification. Alternatives such as "blindingly obvious" or "plainly evident" can provide nuanced substitutes depending on the specific context. Ultimately, "perfectly obvious" serves as a valuable tool for adding emphasis and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blindingly obvious

This alternative intensifies the obviousness, suggesting it's impossible to miss.

plainly evident

This phrase highlights the clear and straightforward nature of the evidence.

patently clear

This suggests that the clarity is easily demonstrable and beyond dispute.

unmistakably clear

This alternative focuses on the absence of any ambiguity or doubt.

crystal clear

This uses a metaphor to emphasize the transparency and lack of confusion.

readily apparent

This indicates that understanding requires minimal effort or analysis.

easily understood

This focuses on the simplicity and accessibility of the information.

self-evident

This suggests the truth is inherent and requires no external proof.

beyond question

This conveys certainty and the absence of any valid challenge.

open and shut case

This idiom refers to an issue that's so clear it is resolved almost immediately.

FAQs

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

You can use "perfectly obvious" to describe something that is very clear and easy to understand. For example, "It was "perfectly obvious" that he was lying."

What are some alternatives to "perfectly obvious"?

Alternatives to "perfectly obvious" include "blindingly obvious", "plainly evident", and "patently clear".

Is "perfectly obvious" too informal for academic writing?

While "perfectly obvious" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "readily apparent" or "self-evident" might be more appropriate in certain academic contexts.

What's the difference between "perfectly obvious" and "obvious"?

"Perfectly obvious" emphasizes the clarity and lack of ambiguity more strongly than simply saying "obvious". It suggests that something is not just apparent, but completely and undeniably so.