surely obvious that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surely obvious that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is clear or evident to the speaker and likely to the audience as well. Example: "It is surely obvious that hard work leads to success in any field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It's surely obvious that those are not all in the same category.

The New Yorker

From all this, it is surely obvious that I am incompetent to criticize the offering at the National, so we will move on to that.

The New Yorker

After the countless errors and abuses of the last decade, it is surely obvious that no president should have the unreviewable power to kill anyone, anywhere, whom he deems to be an enemy of the state.

The New York Times

It took the Foreign Office a long time to reach the conclusion – surely obvious – that the Oxford graduate is in fact a "human rights defender", and so deserving of state protection.

Independent

But it is surely obvious that their ideas would find less resonance among a wider Arab audience if the search for a workable and just solution had not been frustrated by a combination of Israeli intransigence and western indifference.

The Guardian

Given the run of strong economic data and business surveys since this spring, it is surely obvious that the economy has moved decisively from crisis to slump to some kind of recovery.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

That they are not real is surely obvious at first glance.

The Guardian - Arts

It is surely obvious to anyone that changed circumstances will demand dramatically changed solutions".

The Guardian

It is surely obvious by now that nobody seriously expects Özil to "drive" a game on like some elfin Roy Keane or Bryan Robson reimagined as Victorian garden sprite.

The Guardian - Sport

It is surely obvious to anyone that changed circumstances will demand dramatically changed solutions". Ms Forgan said: "Alan Rusbridger's contribution to the Guardian over 20 years as editor-in-chief is immeasurable.

BBC

While it is surely obvious to most viewers that she expects to vote for Mr. Obama, Ms. Behar noted that it was not exactly out of self-interest.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider whether the statement truly is self-evident to your audience. If there's a chance of misunderstanding, provide additional context or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "surely obvious that" too frequently, as it can come across as condescending or dismissive of others' perspectives. Vary your phrasing to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surely obvious that" functions as a sentence opener or clause introducer to signal that the speaker believes the following statement is self-evident or requires little elaboration. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used to preface observations considered readily apparent.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "surely obvious that" serves to introduce a statement considered self-evident, signaling agreement or preempting debate. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI analysis shows that careful consideration should be given to its frequency and context to avoid appearing condescending. Common in news media, its formality varies. Alternatives like "undoubtedly clear that" can offer similar emphasis with a slightly different tone. Use this phrase judiciously to ensure clarity and maintain a respectful tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undoubtedly clear that

Emphasizes the lack of doubt about the clarity of something.

patently evident that

Highlights the obvious and undeniable nature of something.

plainly apparent that

Focuses on the ease with which something can be seen or understood.

unquestionably manifest that

Stresses the irrefutable and conspicuous nature of something.

indisputably obvious that

Highlights the lack of room for disagreement about the obviousness of something.

certainly clear that

Emphasizes confidence in the clarity of something.

unmistakably evident that

Focuses on the impossibility of mistaking something for something else.

unarguably apparent that

Stresses the lack of grounds for argument about the obviousness of something.

definitely obvious that

Highlights the decisiveness and certainty of something being obvious.

assuredly clear that

Emphasizes the speaker's confidence that something is clear.

FAQs

How can I use "surely obvious that" in a sentence?

Use "surely obvious that" to introduce a statement that you believe is self-evident or easily understood. For example, "It's "surely obvious that" regular exercise is beneficial for your health".

What are some alternatives to "surely obvious that"?

You can use alternatives such as "undoubtedly clear that", "plainly apparent that", or "certainly clear that" to convey a similar meaning while varying your language.

Is "surely obvious that" formal or informal?

"Surely obvious that" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's important to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In highly formal settings, you might prefer a more neutral alternative such as "it is evident that".

When should I avoid using "surely obvious that"?

Avoid using "surely obvious that" when you're unsure if the statement is truly self-evident to your audience, or when you want to avoid sounding condescending. In such cases, provide additional context or use a more tentative phrasing.