this was obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something was clear or easily understood in a particular context or situation. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it became clear that this was obvious to everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This was obvious at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this month.

The Economist

All of this was obvious to the Democratic Party, which plowed ahead anyway, insisting that anyone who wasn't on board with the first woman president was a vile sexist. .

Huffington Post

(I told you this was obvious).

The New Yorker

"Believe me, this was obvious," Jimenez said.

The New York Times - Sports

The appeal of this was obvious.

The New York Times - Magazine

This was obvious to state inspectors.

The New York Times

This was obvious years before the Supreme Court weighed in.

The New York Times

All this was obvious in her unwillingness to use a light.

The New Yorker

"I'd always hoped this was obvious from it being quite good, but apparently clarification would help".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This was obvious in a lower number of alveoli exhibiting positive cells.

Plosone

This was obvious when Nancy Pelosi and others called for his resignation and when President Obama weighed in, saying he would resign if he were Weiner.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was obvious" to succinctly convey that something was easily understood or apparent, avoiding unnecessary elaboration. It strengthens the point by implying a shared understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "this was obvious" excessively in formal or academic writing. While effective for conveying clarity, overuse can sound condescending or undermine the writer's authority. Opt for more nuanced phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was obvious" functions as a declarative statement. It asserts that something was easily perceived or understood. Examples from Ludwig confirm its role in expressing self-evidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this was obvious" is a phrase used to express that something was easily understood or apparent. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news, media and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the potential for sounding condescending in formal settings. Alternatives like "it was evident" or "it was clear" might be more appropriate in such cases. The phrase functions as a declarative statement, serving to convey clarity or imply a shared understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was readily apparent

Focuses on the ease and speed with which something became clear.

it was plainly evident

Highlights the unambiguous and straightforward nature of the information.

it was clearly discernible

Emphasizes the ability to distinguish or perceive something without difficulty.

it was easily understood

Highlights the lack of complexity or difficulty in comprehending something.

it was a foregone conclusion

Suggests the outcome was inevitable and predictable from the start.

it was impossible to miss

Emphasizes the conspicuousness and unignorability of something.

it stood out a mile

Highlights that something was easily noticeable and very clear.

the writing was on the wall

Indicates an impending outcome that was clearly foreshadowed.

it was staring one in the face

Highlights how obvious something was, despite being potentially overlooked.

the signs were all there

Indicates that multiple indicators pointed to an inevitable conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "this was obvious" in a sentence?

You can use "this was obvious" to indicate that something was easily noticeable or understood. For example, "After reviewing the data, this was obvious to all team members".

What are some alternatives to saying "this was obvious"?

Alternatives include "it was evident", "it was clear", or "it was apparent", depending on the context.

Is it ever inappropriate to use the phrase "this was obvious"?

Yes, using "this was obvious" might be inappropriate in formal writing or when addressing someone less knowledgeable on the subject, as it can sound condescending. Consider using a more neutral tone in such situations.

What's the difference between "this was obvious" and "this was clear"?

"This was obvious" implies a self-evident nature, while "this was clear" simply means that something was easily understood. The former can sometimes suggest that the information should have been easily understood, potentially implying a slight criticism.