this is plainly obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is plainly obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is very clear or evident without needing further explanation. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it is clear that this is plainly obvious to anyone who looks closely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

They inserted the following text into the specific paragraph that addresses debt management: "Maintaining sustainable debt levels is the responsibility of the borrowing countries … " It is plainly obvious why this language is harmful and, given the situation in Greece, callous for the EU to even propose it.

The Guardian

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

Ostensibly undertaken to protect Mr. Libeskind's interests, these tactics may actually have prevented him from seeing what to me is plainly obvious.

The New York Times - Arts

Although Ukip's relationship with the media has never been rosy - the party often complains that it is being persecuted as unpleasant comments by its members are unearthed - it is plainly obvious that they are being taken much more seriously than they used to be.

The Guardian

"It is plainly obvious that aircraft and huge gas containers are a potentially lethal mix.

BBC

It is plainly obvious that its technology needs to be fixed before it is parsed out to other companies and media corporations.

TechCrunch

I had fun with the game but the problematic development cycle it had is plainly obvious when you finally play it.

Forbes

"I think that's plainly obvious," Pashley told BBC Radio Lancashire after losing heavily to the new league leaders at the weekend.

BBC

To them, the idea that humans depend on a healthy environment for survival is plainly obvious.

Huffington Post

That we should pray for blessings of life, good health, children, peace and prosperity is plainly obvious.

Huffington Post

Usually the bright glare and heat of the sun is plainly obvious on one side of the tent in the morning, but if it's not then it probably means there's a lot of cloud outside.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is plainly obvious" to succinctly express that a point is self-evident and requires no further elaboration. However, avoid overuse in formal writing to prevent sounding condescending.

Common error

Avoid using "this is plainly obvious" excessively in academic or professional documents, as it can come across as dismissive or arrogant. Instead, opt for more nuanced expressions like "it is evident" or "clearly demonstrates".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is plainly obvious" functions as an evaluative assertion, indicating that a particular fact or conclusion is easily discernible and requires minimal explanation. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is plainly obvious" is a common expression used to indicate that something is self-evident and requires little explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, although its directness makes it more appropriate for neutral or informal contexts. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian use it, overuse in formal or academic writing should be avoided in favor of more nuanced expressions. Alternatives such as "it is evident" or "it is clear" offer a more professional tone while conveying a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's abundantly clear

Replaces "plainly obvious" with "abundantly clear", emphasizing clarity and lack of doubt.

it's patently clear

Uses "patently clear" instead of "plainly obvious", stressing the obviousness of the statement.

it's crystal clear

Substitutes "plainly obvious" with "crystal clear", highlighting transparency and ease of understanding.

it's perfectly obvious

Emphasizes the complete obviousness using "perfectly obvious" instead of "plainly obvious".

it's readily apparent

Replaces "plainly obvious" with "readily apparent", indicating that something is easily seen or understood.

it's evidently clear

Uses "evidently clear" instead of "plainly obvious", suggesting that the clarity comes from the available evidence.

it's manifestly obvious

Replaces "plainly obvious" with "manifestly obvious", emphasizing that the fact is undeniably evident.

it's simply obvious

Uses "simply obvious" instead of "plainly obvious", indicating a lack of complexity or need for further explanation.

it's undeniably clear

Replaces "plainly obvious" with "undeniably clear", reinforcing that something cannot be disputed.

it's transparently obvious

Uses "transparently obvious" instead of "plainly obvious", indicating that the obviousness is easily seen through.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this is plainly obvious" to sound more formal?

Consider using alternatives like "it is evident", "it is clear", or "it is readily apparent" for a more professional tone. These options convey the same meaning without sounding dismissive.

What's the difference between "this is plainly obvious" and "this is clearly obvious"?

The difference is subtle. "Plainly" and "clearly" are largely interchangeable, but "plainly" might suggest a more straightforward and less nuanced understanding. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

Is it ever appropriate to use "this is plainly obvious" in academic writing?

While generally discouraged, it can be acceptable if used sparingly and to emphasize a point that is fundamentally understood within the field. However, avoid using it to dismiss opposing arguments.

What are some situations where "this is plainly obvious" might be too informal?

Avoid using "this is plainly obvious" in formal presentations, legal documents, or interactions with superiors. In these contexts, a more respectful and less direct approach is usually preferred.