this sounds self-evident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this sounds self-evident" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something seems obvious or clear without needing further explanation. Example: "When discussing the importance of honesty in relationships, it seems to me that this sounds self-evident to most people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Again this sounds self-evident.

The Economist

This sounds self-evident, but our record -- all of our records -- have been mixed.

Huffington Post

The fact that this sounds self-evident, even naive, is a testament to how inured we have become to nepotism.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In one respect, this principle sounds self-evident.

Huffington Post

That sounds self-evident, but you'd be surprised how many people don't actually know what they want with the kind of precision that a negotiation demands.

The New York Times - Magazine

It sounds self-evident, but up to now it has not been common in Finnish universities.

Science Magazine

“That sounds self-evident, but it is especially important with companies that generate as much free cash flow as these do.

Forbes

It sounds self-evident and maybe even trite to assert that aid workers are extraordinary human beings, but it is true.

Huffington Post

This might sound self-evident; let me explain.

The Guardian - Books

This may sound self-evident but time and again, examinees forget to read the basic instructions and lose points or marks for it.

WikiHow

While this may sound self-evident when reading it, when in the midst of a confrontation, it might not be as obvious.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this sounds self-evident" to introduce a point that may seem obvious but needs to be stated for clarity or emphasis in the context of your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "this sounds self-evident" when presenting a nuanced or complex argument. It can undermine your credibility if the point is not genuinely obvious to your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this sounds self-evident" functions as an introductory expression. It prefaces a statement that the speaker or writer believes to be obvious or easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science & Research

11%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this sounds self-evident" is a grammatically correct expression used to introduce a statement that is considered obvious or easily understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable and correct phrase. It serves the purpose of clarifying or emphasizing a point that the speaker or writer believes to be straightforward. While the phrase can be used in various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the point is genuinely obvious to your audience to avoid undermining your credibility. Alternatives include "this seems clear" and "this appears obvious".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This appears obvious

Replaces the verb "sounds" with "appears" while maintaining the sense of being evident.

This seems clear

Uses "seems clear" to convey the idea of something being easily understood.

This is plainly obvious

Emphasizes the obviousness with the adverb "plainly".

This is evidently true

Focuses on the truth aspect of the statement being self-evident.

This is a given

Implies that something is already known or accepted.

This is self-explanatory

Highlights that something needs no further explanation.

This is axiomatic

Indicates that something is a fundamental truth or principle.

This much is obvious

Shortens the phrase while retaining the core meaning of being obvious.

It stands to reason

Suggests that something is logical and easily deduced.

It goes without saying

Indicates that something is so obvious it doesn't need to be said.

FAQs

What does "this sounds self-evident" mean?

It means something seems obvious or clear without needing further explanation. It suggests the point is easily understood or accepted.

When is it appropriate to use "this sounds self-evident" in writing?

Use it when introducing a point that might seem obvious but is crucial for the context of your argument or explanation. Avoid using it for complex or nuanced ideas that require detailed explanation.

Are there alternatives to "this sounds self-evident"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "this seems clear", "this appears obvious", or "this is plainly obvious". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "this sounds self-evident" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written English to introduce a point that is considered obvious.