terribly obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terribly obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is very clear or evident, often with a hint of sarcasm or frustration. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it became terribly obvious that he was lying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The actions were terribly obvious but not especially funny.

The New York Times - Arts

"This is all terribly obvious when you think about it.

The New York Times - Health

"Panda diplomacy is Ping-Pong diplomacy by another name, terribly obvious but low-key and shrewd".

The New York Times

The story is all too schematic; the emotional manipulations are terribly obvious.

The New Yorker

Why was it so hard for central bankers to anticipate a lesson that seems so terribly obvious in retrospect?

The New York Times

"What we are discovering around collective efficacy was not terribly obvious before we started to measure it with some precision".

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Dear Gwen, From my point of view the answer is terribly painfully obvious.

Huffington Post

All the wealth tovery few of the very few, corresponding ruin of most of the terribly many, has countless, obvious, deleterious effects.

Vice

All the wealth to very few of the very few, corresponding ruin of most of the terribly many, has countless, obvious, deleterious effects.

Vice

The food snob response to this is obvious: oh, how terribly dreary.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's stagy and obvious and not terribly effective, since Olive doesn't really seem to come to any particular understanding.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terribly obvious" to express frustration or mild annoyance when something is exceedingly clear but perhaps overlooked or ignored.

Common error

While "terribly obvious" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for phrases like "clearly evident" or "plainly apparent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terribly obvious" functions as an adverb-adjective combination intensifying the degree to which something is apparent or easily understood. As Ludwig confirms, it's a valid and usable expression in English. Examples show its usage in contexts where something is not just obvious, but remarkably so.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Wiki

6%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "terribly obvious" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is very clear and easily understood. As Ludwig highlights, its usage often carries a tone of mild frustration or exasperation. While frequently found in news and media, and appropriate for general conversation, more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives like "plainly evident" or "patently obvious". Ultimately, "terribly obvious" serves to strongly emphasize the clarity of a situation, as recognized by Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blindingly obvious

Emphasizes the overwhelming clarity of something, suggesting it's impossible to miss.

patently obvious

Highlights that something is undeniably and legally clear.

plainly evident

Focuses on the easiness with which something can be observed or understood.

glaringly apparent

Stresses how noticeably obvious something is, often implying it's undesirable or problematic.

undeniably clear

Highlights the impossibility to deny the clarity of something.

unmistakably obvious

Indicates that there's no room for misinterpretation or doubt.

painfully obvious

Emphasizes that something is so obvious, it's almost unpleasant to acknowledge.

blatantly clear

Suggests something is very obvious in a showy or offensive way.

manifestly evident

Indicates that something is clearly revealed to the eye, mind, or judgment.

transparently clear

Highlights that something is so clear that intentions or motives are easily seen through.

FAQs

How can I use "terribly obvious" in a sentence?

You can use "terribly obvious" to emphasize something is very clear or easily understood, often with a hint of exasperation. For example: "It was "terribly obvious" that he was lying."

What are some alternatives to "terribly obvious"?

Consider using alternatives such as "plainly evident", "patently obvious", or "blindingly obvious" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "terribly obvious" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "terribly obvious" might be too informal for academic or professional contexts. Opt for more formal alternatives like "manifestly evident" or "undeniably clear" in such settings.

What's the difference between "terribly obvious" and "very obvious"?

"Terribly obvious" adds a layer of emotional emphasis, suggesting the obviousness is almost irritating or frustrating. "Very obvious" is a more neutral and straightforward expression of clarity.