the reason is obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the reason is obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when the answer to a question or the explanation of something is very clear and doesn't need any further explanation, for example: Q: Why do we need to take our shoes off before entering the house? A: The reason is obvious - to keep the floors clean.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

The reason is obvious: no one wants to appear in the next IS video.

BBC

The reason is obvious.

The New York Times

Yet the reason is obvious.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The reason is obvious in retrospect.

The New York Times - Science

The reason is obvious: This is his return home.

The New York Times - Sports

Part of the reason is obvious: Jobs isn't there anymore.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Mr. Kerry said that if money was the reason security was lacking, the reason was obvious.

The New York Times

The reason was obvious: there was free food everywhere, it was delicious and I was nervous.

The New York Times

For anyone who dared to move a pawn against him, the reason was obvious.

The New York Times

The reason was obvious: true narcissists never admit they're that.

Vice

The reason was obvious: True narcissists never admit they're that.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the reason is obvious" to succinctly convey that an explanation is self-evident, avoiding unnecessary elaboration when the context makes the reason clear to the audience.

Common error

While "the reason is obvious" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Instead, provide a brief explanation to maintain a professional tone and demonstrate thoroughness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the reason is obvious" functions as an explanatory device, signaling that the explanation for a given situation or statement is easily understood. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis, confirming its role in conveying self-evident reasons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the reason is obvious" is a commonly used phrase to indicate that an explanation is self-evident, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to expedite understanding and highlight cause-and-effect relationships. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with neutral informality. For more formal settings, a slightly more descriptive explanation might be more suitable. The phrase scores highly in expert ratings, reflecting its grammatical correctness and frequent use in authoritative sources. Remember, while it's a useful shortcut, ensure your audience truly understands the context to avoid misinterpretation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and widespread usage across various reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's plainly evident why

Emphasizes the clarity and ease of understanding the reason.

the explanation is clear

Highlights the straightforwardness of the explanation.

it stands to reason that

Indicates that the conclusion is logical and easily inferred.

the answer is self-explanatory

Suggests the answer requires no further elaboration.

it's no surprise that

Implies the outcome or reason was predictable.

it's patently obvious why

Stresses the undeniable nature of the reason.

the rationale is apparent

Focuses on the easily perceived justification.

it's a foregone conclusion

Suggests the outcome was inevitable and thus the reason is clear.

the logic is straightforward

Highlights the simplicity and directness of the reasoning.

it's abundantly clear why

Emphasizes the overwhelming clarity of the reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "the reason is obvious" to indicate that the explanation for something is easily understood or self-evident. For example, "He didn't study for the test; "the reason is obvious": he failed."

What are some alternatives to "the reason is obvious"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it's plainly evident why", "the explanation is clear", or "it stands to reason that", which provide similar emphasis on the self-explanatory nature of a reason.

When is it appropriate to use "the reason is obvious" in writing?

It's appropriate when the context makes the explanation so clear that further elaboration is unnecessary and might seem patronizing. However, consider your audience and the formality of the situation, as overuse can be perceived as dismissive.

Is "the reason is obvious" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "the reason is obvious" can sometimes be considered too informal for academic writing. In such contexts, opting for a slightly more detailed explanation or using a more formal phrase like "the explanation is clear" may be more suitable.