self explanatory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self explanatory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when the meaning of something is clear without the need for further explanation. For example, "The pie chart, showing the income disparity between genders, is self explanatory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The post is self explanatory.

TechCrunch

Best Mobile Application This is self explanatory.

TechCrunch

Kind of self explanatory but still innovative.

TechCrunch

Best Mobile Startup This is self explanatory.

TechCrunch

The first two are fairly self explanatory.

TechCrunch

The pictures below are pretty self explanatory.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

("Self-explanatory," Scott said).

The New York Times - Sports

And it's self-explanatory.

The New York Times - Tech

That seemed self-explanatory.

The Guardian - Opinion

Water Polio (Self-explanatory).

The New Yorker

It's pretty self-explanatory.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "self explanatory" when you want to indicate that something is so straightforward that further explanation is unnecessary. For example, "The diagram is self explanatory, so I won't elaborate further."

Common error

Avoid using "self explanatory" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable, more precise language might be preferred. Instead, opt for phrases like "easily understood" or "readily apparent."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self explanatory" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun's meaning or purpose is readily understood without further explanation. Ludwig examples show it clarifying descriptions, instructions, and labels. The Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

29%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "self explanatory" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that requires no further explanation. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its use can vary in appropriateness depending on the context. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, "self explanatory" functions as an adjective to assure the audience that something is easily understood. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "easily understood" or "unambiguous". To avoid overuse and ensure clarity, consider the specific context and choose the most precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs no explanation

Directly states that no further clarification is required.

easily understood

Focuses on the ease of comprehension.

readily apparent

Highlights the immediate visibility and obviousness of something.

crystal clear

An idiom indicating extreme clarity and ease of understanding.

plain as day

An idiom emphasizing the clarity and obviousness.

patently obvious

Stresses the undeniable and evident nature of something.

clear-cut

Indicates a lack of ambiguity and straightforward understanding.

unambiguous

Emphasizes the absence of multiple interpretations.

evident

Points to something being clearly visible and understandable.

manifest

Suggests that something is clearly revealed or displayed.

FAQs

How to use "self explanatory" in a sentence?

You can use "self explanatory" to describe something that is easily understood without needing further explanation. For example, "The instructions are "easily understood"." or "The image is "readily apparent"."

What can I say instead of "self explanatory"?

You can use alternatives like "easily understood", "clear-cut", or "needs no explanation" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "self explanatory" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "self explanatory" might be considered informal in some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives such as "evident" or "unambiguous" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "self explanatory" and "obvious"?

"Self explanatory" implies that something is easily understood without help, while "obvious" suggests that something is easily noticed or recognized. The phrase "plain as day" is often more emphatic and direct than "self explanatory".