pretty obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you want to emphasize that something is very clear or evident. For example, "It's pretty obvious that this solution is the best one for our problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pretty obvious".

The New York Times

It was pretty obvious.

The New Yorker

That's pretty obvious.

The New York Times - Sports

It's pretty obvious.

The New York Times - Sports

That is pretty obvious".

The New York Times

It looks pretty obvious now.

The New Yorker

I think that's pretty obvious.

The New York Times - Sports

The implication was pretty obvious.

Independent

Sounds pretty obvious, I know.

The New York Times

It's pretty obvious which ones..

The Guardian - Film

It is pretty obvious why.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty obvious" to express something that is easily understood or noticeable, but avoid overusing it, as it can sometimes sound dismissive.

Common error

While "pretty obvious" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "quite apparent" or "plain to see" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty obvious" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to describe something as easily understood or apparent. Examples in Ludwig show it is often used to express agreement or emphasize a point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pretty obvious" is a grammatically sound and very common adjective phrase used to describe something as easily understood or apparent. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, its register is generally neutral to informal. While effective for emphasizing clarity, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider more formal alternatives like "readily apparent" in appropriate settings. Remember to vary your language for more engaging and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite apparent

Emphasizes visibility and easy perception.

readily apparent

Highlights the ease with which something can be noticed.

plain to see

Focuses on the simplicity and clarity of the information.

easy to understand

Highlights comprehensibility.

crystal clear

Emphasizes the extreme clarity and lack of ambiguity.

readily understood

Highlights the ease with which something can be understood.

clear as day

Emphasizes the obviousness and lack of confusion.

patent

Describes something that is unconcealed or evident.

unmistakable

Highlights the inability to misunderstand something.

self-evident

Describes something that is clear without needing further explanation.

FAQs

What does "pretty obvious" mean?

The phrase "pretty obvious" indicates that something is very clear, easily understood, or readily apparent. It suggests that the information or situation is straightforward and doesn't require much explanation.

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

You can use "pretty obvious" when you want to state that something is easily noticeable or understandable. For instance, "It's pretty obvious that he's not happy with the decision" or "The solution to the problem is pretty obvious once you understand the basics".

What can I say instead of "pretty obvious"?

You can use alternatives like "quite apparent", "easy to understand", or "clear as day" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the context.

Is "pretty obvious" formal or informal?

The phrase "pretty obvious" is generally considered informal. In more formal writing or speech, consider using alternatives such as "readily apparent" or "self-evident" for a more professional tone.