straightforward observation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "straightforward observation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a clear and uncomplicated remark or statement about something that is easily perceived or understood. Example: "The straightforward observation that the sun rises in the east is a basic fact of astronomy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

This straightforward observation has some surprising implications.

The New York Times - Magazine

Their fragile equilibrium creates pictorial tension that elevates them above straightforward observation.

The New York Times

The opening of the editorial begins with a blanket statement, a straightforward observation or a fact.

The New York Times

The opening (typically the first paragraph) begins with a statement of fact or a straightforward observation, and ends with a statement of opinion.

The New York Times

While this story veers toward the absurd, Reents's real talent is for straightforward observation, her greatest strength the confidence to let the tiny daggers of truth flash for themselves.

The New York Times - Books

I don't know what more they want of me.' Perhaps the most straightforward observation on the whole fiasco came in the uncomplicated argot of a bright-eyed jack-the-lad from north-west London, still clinging to his gold medal: 'All the stuff he's been getting at home, all the bullshit, it's not nice, man.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It can lead to relatively straightforward observations, Staas says — for example, JiWire might observe that there's a significant overlap between people who go the zoo and people who visit child care services.

TechCrunch

But, at heart, it's a sensibility based on straightforward observations of human behavior.

The New Yorker

As Mr. Fletcher stood, wide-legged, in the French Institute's intimate Tinker Auditorium, making occasional eye contact with audience members and calmly delivering deceptively straightforward observations, timeworn truisms and almost non sequiturs, it became clear how even the simplest words can mean so much, and how badly they can fail.

The New York Times - Arts

Consider a straightforward, observation-based moral judgment: Jane sees two youths hurting a cat and thinks "That is impermissible".

SEP

Meanwhile, we make two straightforward observations.

Boundary Value Problems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "straightforward observation", ensure that the observation is genuinely simple and easy to understand, avoiding overuse in complex or nuanced situations.

Common error

Avoid using "straightforward observation" to describe a point that requires significant background knowledge or analysis. This can create a false impression of simplicity and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "straightforward observation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. The adjective "straightforward" modifies the noun "observation", indicating a simple and easily understood point. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "straightforward observation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that serves to introduce an easily understood point. According to Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. Alternatives include "simple observation" and "clear observation". When employing this phrase, ensure the observation is genuinely uncomplicated to avoid misleading your audience. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple observation

Replaces "straightforward" with "simple", emphasizing the lack of complexity.

clear observation

Substitutes "straightforward" with "clear", highlighting the ease of understanding.

basic observation

Replaces "straightforward" with "basic", indicating a fundamental or elementary point.

plain observation

Uses "plain" instead of "straightforward" suggesting a lack of embellishment or complication.

obvious observation

Replaces "straightforward" with "obvious", implying the observation is easily apparent.

uncomplicated assessment

Shifts from "observation" to "assessment", broadening the context to include judgment.

evident conclusion

Changes "observation" to "conclusion", implying a more formal deduction based on evidence.

direct remark

Substitutes both words, focusing on a more immediate and candid expression.

self-explanatory finding

Highlights the inherent clarity of the discovery.

easily understood point

Rephrases the entire expression to focus on ease of comprehension.

FAQs

How can I use "straightforward observation" in a sentence?

You can use "straightforward observation" to introduce a point that is easily perceived or understood. For example: "A "straightforward observation" is that prices tend to rise during periods of high demand."

What are some alternatives to "straightforward observation"?

Some alternatives include "simple observation", "clear observation", or "basic observation" depending on the context.

Is "straightforward observation" formal or informal?

"Straightforward observation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it might be slightly more common in neutral or professional settings.

What makes an observation "straightforward"?

A "straightforward" observation is one that is easily understood and doesn't require complex analysis or interpretation. It's a point that is readily apparent.