quite obviously

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite obviously" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is obvious or clear. For example: "Quite obviously, the best way to go is to choose the option with the least amount of risk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it's quite obviously not.

The New York Times

Quite obviously this cannot continue.

The Guardian - Opinion

The lampshade was, quite obviously, very old.

Independent

The answer, quite obviously, is yes.

The Economist

Which, quite obviously, will have Doncaster squirming.

The Guardian - Sport

"Quite obviously, Qantas is not Holden".

The Guardian - Business

Quite obviously, such concerns were not unfounded.

The Guardian - Opinion

Quite obviously, I don't know that.

The New York Times

"Quite obviously, we have strategic stakes there," said Brig.

The New York Times

And quite obviously, it starts with a script.

Independent

He is, quite obviously, the media's favorite candidate.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite obviously" to underscore points that are self-evident to your audience, but avoid overuse, as it can come across as condescending.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple sentences in a paragraph with "quite obviously". This can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use synonyms.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "quite obviously" is that of an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, emphasizing the self-evident nature of the statement. As supported by Ludwig, it stresses the apparent truth or clarity of a fact or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

28%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite obviously" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to underscore self-evident points. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to emphasize clarity or shared understanding. While "quite obviously" is versatile enough for neutral and professional communication, overuse can detract from its impact, making judicious application key. Ludwig's examples reveal its prevalence across diverse sources, including news outlets, scientific journals, and general-interest websites, showcasing its broad applicability. Related phrases like "very clearly" and "evidently" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas while mitigating potential redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very clearly

Replaces "quite obviously" with a simpler, more direct expression of clarity.

plainly

Offers a more concise way to say something is easily perceived or understood.

evidently

Similar in meaning but suggests the conclusion is based on available evidence.

unquestionably

Emphasizes the lack of doubt or dispute regarding the statement.

undeniably

Highlights that the truth of something cannot be denied or refuted.

patently

Indicates that something is obvious to even a casual observer.

manifestly

Suggests that something is clearly revealed or displayed.

beyond question

Indicates there is no room for doubt or uncertainty.

without a doubt

Emphasizes the certainty of a statement, leaving no room for uncertainty.

it stands to reason

This phrase suggests that something is logical and easily deduced.

FAQs

How can I use "quite obviously" in a sentence?

You can use "quite obviously" to emphasize a point that is self-evident. For example, "Quite obviously, preparation is key to success."

What can I say instead of "quite obviously"?

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

When is it appropriate to use "quite obviously" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to highlight something that is undeniably true or easily understood. However, avoid using it too frequently, as it may sound patronizing.

Is "quite obviously" formal or informal?

"Quite obviously" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's best suited for situations where a degree of emphasis is needed without being overly assertive.