self-evident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self-evident" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is obvious or clear without needing further explanation or proof. Example: "The need for honesty in communication is self-evident in any successful relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The rest is self-evident.

The New York Times - Books

When was it self-evident?

The New Yorker

This might seem self-evident.

The New Yorker

The costs seem self-evident.

The New York Times

That is self-evident.

The Guardian

Self-evident, this one.

The Guardian - Sport

"It should be self-evident.

The New Yorker

Detroit's troubles are self-evident.

The New York Times

This was not self-evident.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is self evident.

The Guardian

Self evident.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "self-evident" when you want to emphasize that a statement is undeniably true and requires no further explanation. It adds a tone of certainty to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "self-evident" excessively, as it can make your writing sound pompous or condescending. Only use it when the truth of a statement is genuinely obvious to your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self-evident" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun's truth or validity is immediately obvious and requires no further proof. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "self-evident" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that is obviously true and requires no proof. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage. It appears frequently in news media, academic writing, and encyclopedias, reflecting its broad applicability across various contexts. While "self-evident" is a valuable tool for emphasizing certainty, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain clarity and avoid sounding condescending. Related phrases like "patently obvious" and "plain as day" can provide stylistic alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patently obvious

Highlights the undeniable and easily recognizable nature of something.

plain as day

Emphasizes clarity and ease of understanding.

readily apparent

Indicates something is easily noticeable or evident.

blindingly obvious

Suggests something is so obvious that it's impossible to miss.

clear for all to see

Emphasizes that something is obvious to everyone.

unquestionable

Suggests that something is so obvious and true that it cannot be doubted.

beyond dispute

Implies that something is so evident that there is no room for disagreement.

axiomatic

Refers to something that is accepted as true without proof, like a fundamental principle.

a given

Indicates something that is assumed to be true or factual.

indisputable

Suggests something is so clear that it cannot be challenged or denied.

FAQs

How do you use "self-evident" in a sentence?

Use "self-evident" to describe facts or truths that are so obvious that they do not need explanation or justification. For example, "The importance of clean water is self-evident."

What are some synonyms for "self-evident"?

Alternatives include "obvious", "apparent", "clear", "evident", or "axiomatic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "self-evidently" true?

While grammatically correct, using "self-evidently" can sound awkward. It's generally better to rephrase the sentence for clarity, or use "self-evident" in conjunction with the verb 'is' or 'seems'.

What is the difference between "self-evident" and "obvious"?

"Self-evident" suggests a truth that is so clear it requires no proof or explanation, while "obvious" simply means easily perceived or understood. "Self-evident" carries a stronger connotation of inherent truth.