the explanation is obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the explanation is obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that the reasoning or rationale behind something is clear and easily understood. Example: "After reviewing the data, it became clear that the explanation is obvious; the results speak for themselves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"The explanation is obvious.

The New Yorker

The explanation is obvious to some scientists.

The New York Times - Science

Then it doesn't, and the explanation is obvious: during a period of drought the river has dried up.

The New Yorker

This is drastic stuff – the party effectively putting its daily operations into suspended animation - and the explanation is obvious enough.

The Guardian - Opinion

Part of the explanation is obvious: the Jets have fallen behind early and often and have quickly gone to the spread offense -- which uses no running backs -- to ignite their comebacks.

The New York Times - Sports

Michael McFaul, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Russia from 2012 to 2014, told me, "The explanation is obvious — Trump praises Putin, so his supporters increasingly like Putin".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The explanations are obvious, but acknowledging those explanations would force a sea change in liberal thought.

Forbes

While it's conceivable that my friends and family are a particularly catastrophic bunch, the real explanation is obvious: it's only those with whom I'm most intimate who let me see the unvarnished reality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the VIX index, which measures the implied volatility of America's stockmarket, and is also known as the "fear gauge", is near a 20-year low.One explanation is obvious: the places suffering conflict are politically important but economically small.

The Economist

For Enatsu, the explanation is plainly obvious: "The biggest reason is Lotte changed managers from Valentine to Nishimura" and "Rakuten's troubles stem from the exact opposite move".

The New York Times - Sports

The explanation is now obvious.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the explanation is obvious" when you want to succinctly convey that the reason behind something is easily understood and requires little further elaboration. It's effective in summarizing a point after presenting evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "the explanation is obvious" in situations where the reasoning is actually nuanced or requires deeper analysis. It can come across as dismissive or oversimplified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the explanation is obvious" functions as a declarative statement indicating that the reason or cause behind a particular situation is easily understood or readily apparent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the explanation is obvious" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate that a reason or cause is easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its use in various contexts, primarily news and media. While it is generally neutral in register, caution should be exercised in academic or formal settings to avoid oversimplification. When employing this phrase, ensure the reasoning is indeed straightforward to avoid sounding dismissive. Alternatives like "the reason is clear" or "it's self-explanatory" can provide nuanced options for expressing similar ideas. Ultimately, this phrase provides a concise way to convey clarity, especially after presenting supporting evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the reason is clear

Focuses on the clarity of the reason rather than the obviousness of the explanation.

the answer is clear

Highlights the clarity of the answer as opposed to the explanation itself.

the cause is evident

Emphasizes the evidence supporting the cause, slightly more formal.

it's plain to see why

More informal and emphasizes the ease of understanding the reason.

the rationale is apparent

More formal, focuses on the rationale behind something.

it's self-explanatory

Highlights that no further explanation is needed; the situation speaks for itself.

the logic is straightforward

Focuses on the simplicity and directness of the logic.

the reason is self-evident

More emphatic; the reason is obvious without needing any proof.

it's patently obvious

Stronger emphasis on the obviousness, almost to the point of being undeniable.

it's as clear as day

Idiomatic expression emphasizing the clarity and obviousness of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "the explanation is obvious" in a sentence?

You can use "the explanation is obvious" to succinctly state that the reason for something is easily understood. For example, "Given the data, "the explanation is obvious": sales declined due to lack of marketing."

What can I say instead of "the explanation is obvious"?

You can use alternatives like "the reason is clear", "the answer is clear", or "it's self-explanatory" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "the explanation is obvious"?

While grammatically correct, "the explanation is obvious" can sometimes sound dismissive if used when the reason is not truly evident to everyone. Consider your audience and the complexity of the situation.

What's the difference between "the explanation is obvious" and "the explanation is clear"?

"The explanation is obvious" implies that the reason is easily perceived by anyone, while "the explanation is clear" simply means the reason is understandable, regardless of how easily it's perceived.