the obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

'the obvious' is a perfectly acceptable sentence fragment for written English.
You can use it as a noun phrase to refer to something that is obvious to the speaker or writer and the reader or listener. For example, "It seemed like the obvious thing to do – donate the money to charity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First, the obvious.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He knew the obvious.

The Guardian - Opinion

Deny the Obvious.

The New York Times

The obvious attributes endure.

The New York Times - Sports

"The obvious suspect, right?

The New Yorker

1) Overlook the obvious.

The New York Times

Besides the obvious.

The New York Times

But it's the obvious answer.

The New Yorker

Abortion is the obvious one.

The New York Times

Wednesday only underscored the obvious.

The New York Times - Sports

Let's begin with the obvious.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the obvious" to introduce a point that is readily apparent to your audience, setting the stage for a more nuanced discussion or contrasting viewpoint.

Common error

Avoid using "the obvious" excessively, as it can make your writing seem condescending or redundant. Instead, assume your audience has a base level of understanding and build upon that foundation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the obvious" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to something that is easily perceived, understood, or evident. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct to use this phrase as a sentence fragment. Examples in Ludwig show it often introduces a point that is readily apparent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the obvious" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to refer to something easily understood or apparent. Ludwig confirms its acceptability as a sentence fragment. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as in more informal writing like wikis. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, it's important to avoid overusing it, which can come across as condescending. As Ludwig suggests, using it judiciously helps to set the stage for a more nuanced discussion. You can use alternatives like "the apparent thing" or "the evident point" to add subtle differences in meaning. The phrase's high frequency and presence in authoritative sources indicate its established place in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the self-evident fact

Stresses that something is true by its very nature, requiring no further proof.

the readily apparent thing

Highlights how quickly and effortlessly something can be noticed or perceived.

the apparent thing

Focuses on what seems evident or clear at first glance, emphasizing a superficial understanding.

the evident point

Highlights the clarity and demonstrability of a particular aspect or fact.

the undeniable aspect

Emphasizes that something cannot be disputed or challenged, due to overwhelming evidence.

the clear aspect

Emphasizes the lucidity and lack of ambiguity in a certain facet of a situation.

the transparent aspect

Suggests that something is easily seen through or understood, like clear glass.

the plain truth

Underscores the straightforward and unadorned nature of a factual statement.

the unmistakable element

Highlights an aspect that cannot be confused with anything else, due to its distinctiveness.

the easily understood part

Focuses on the simplicity and accessibility of comprehending a particular element.

FAQs

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

You can use "the obvious" to refer to something that is easily understood or apparent. For example, "The obvious choice was to take the job offer." or "Let's start with "the obvious": the company is losing money."

What are some alternatives to saying "the obvious"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the apparent thing", "the evident point", or "the self-evident fact", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "the obvious" as a sentence fragment?

Yes, "the obvious" can be used as a noun phrase or sentence fragment to refer to something that is readily apparent. This is common in both speech and writing, as confirmed by Ludwig.

What is the difference between "the obvious" and "what is obvious"?

"The obvious" functions as a noun phrase, directly referring to the apparent thing. "What is obvious" is a clause that describes the apparent thing. Both are grammatically sound but used in slightly different constructions.