should be obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

'should be obvious' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is clear and should not require any further explanation. For example: "The answer to the math problem, 10+10, should be obvious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It should be obvious.

The New York Times - Sports

Such strategy should be obvious.

The New York Times

The choice should be obvious.

The Economist

The decision should be obvious.

The New York Times

That should be obvious.

The Guardian - Opinion

The danger should be obvious.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fit should be obvious.

The Guardian - Opinion

The application to Medicaid should be obvious.

The New York Times

That choice should be obvious.

The Guardian - Travel

This much should be obvious.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Republican strategy should be obvious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should be obvious" when you want to gently imply that something is easily understood without sounding condescending. Ensure the context truly warrants this assumption.

Common error

Avoid using "should be obvious" when explaining intricate or specialized topics. What seems obvious to an expert may not be so to a novice; detailed explanations are often necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be obvious" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates the speaker's or writer's assessment of the clarity or self-evidence of a particular point or conclusion. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be obvious" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that serves to highlight the self-evidence or clarity of a point. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to emphasize that something is clear and should not require further explanation. Found frequently in news, business, and academic contexts, its tone remains neutral, making it versatile for various communicative purposes. When employing "should be obvious", consider your audience and the complexity of the subject matter to avoid potential misinterpretations or condescension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is self-explanatory

Directly states that the subject requires no further explanation.

it ought to be clear

Uses "ought to" instead of "should", suggesting a moral obligation for clarity.

it is plainly evident

Replaces "obvious" with "plainly evident", emphasizing the unmistakable nature of the information.

it's patently clear

Uses "patently clear" to highlight the undeniable and obvious quality.

it's readily apparent

Substitutes "obvious" with "readily apparent", indicating easy visibility and understanding.

it's crystal clear

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity, using a stronger descriptor than "obvious".

it stands to reason

Indicates the point is logical and therefore should be understood.

it goes without saying

Suggests the matter is so clear it doesn't need to be explicitly stated.

it's a no-brainer

An informal way to say something requires very little thought or effort to understand.

the answer is staring you in the face

Figurative expression suggesting the answer is extremely obvious and easy to see.

FAQs

How can I use "should be obvious" in a sentence?

You can use "should be obvious" to indicate that something is easily understood or self-explanatory. For instance, "The solution to this simple equation "should be obvious" after reviewing the basic principles".

What are some alternatives to using "should be obvious"?

Alternatives include "it's self-explanatory", "it's readily apparent", or "it goes without saying". The choice depends on the context and the degree of formality desired.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "should be obvious"?

Yes, it can be inappropriate when addressing complex or nuanced topics, or when speaking to someone unfamiliar with the subject matter. It may come across as condescending or dismissive.

What's the best way to ensure something truly "should be obvious" to my audience?

Provide clear and concise explanations, use simple language, and avoid jargon. Check for understanding by asking questions or encouraging feedback.