stating the obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

"stating the obvious" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used in a negative or ironic context, for instance, when one is asserting something that is generally known to be true. An example would be: "It's raining outside - I know I'm stating the obvious, but you might want to bring an umbrella."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's stating the obvious.

The Guardian - Sport

"Stating the obvious", one leaker said.

The Economist

He was merely stating the obvious.

The New York Times - Sports

EVEN stating the obvious can have consequences.

The Economist

This is stating the obvious.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is not stating the obvious.

The New Yorker

How many more charts do we need stating the obvious?

The Guardian - Opinion

People keep saying how they're feeling and stating the obvious.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But he could be accused of stating the obvious.

The New York Times - Sports

It's quite expensive," says our queen of stating the obvious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Wilpon was just telling the truth, even stating the obvious.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stating the obvious" to acknowledge that what you are about to say is already known, but needs to be reiterated for emphasis or clarity. This can be especially useful in summarizing or clarifying complex situations.

Common error

Avoid using "stating the obvious" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and condescending. Opt for more concise and direct ways to present information when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stating the obvious" functions as a meta-commentary device. It is used to preface a statement that the speaker or writer acknowledges is already known. As shown in Ludwig AI's examples, it often sets the stage for further analysis or justification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stating the obvious" is a common English phrase used to preface information already known, often for emphasis or clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. While useful for managing information flow, overuse can lead to redundancy. Alternatives like "pointing out the obvious" offer nuanced options for expressing similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pointing out the obvious

Focuses on the act of directing attention to something evident, rather than just stating it.

observing the obvious

Emphasizes the act of noticing or recognizing something evident.

highlighting the obvious

Suggests bringing attention to something already apparent, possibly for emphasis.

making an obvious statement

Shifts the focus to the statement itself, emphasizing its self-evident nature.

belaboring the obvious

Implies dwelling on something already known, often to an unnecessary degree.

stating the plain truth

Replaces "obvious" with "plain truth", emphasizing the factual and straightforward nature of the statement.

reciting the obvious

Suggests repeating something that is already well-known, possibly in a rote manner.

articulating the evident

Emphasizes the clear and unmistakable nature of what is being expressed.

expressing the self-evident

Highlights the inherent clarity and unquestionable nature of the information.

repeating common knowledge

Focuses on the fact that the information being stated is widely known and accepted.

FAQs

How can I use "stating the obvious" in a sentence?

You can use "stating the obvious" to introduce information that is already known to your audience but is important to reiterate for context or emphasis. For example, "Stating the obvious, safety is our top priority."

What are some alternatives to "stating the obvious"?

Some alternatives to "stating the obvious" include "pointing out the obvious", "observing the obvious", or "highlighting the obvious". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "stating the obvious"?

Using "stating the obvious" might be inappropriate if it comes across as condescending or if the information you are presenting isn't actually obvious to everyone in your audience. Consider your audience and the context before using the phrase.

What's the difference between "stating the obvious" and "belaboring the obvious"?

"Stating the obvious" simply acknowledges that information is already known, while "belaboring the obvious" implies that you are dwelling on something already known to an unnecessary or irritating extent.