totally obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

"totally obvious" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely clear or evident. For example: - It was totally obvious that she was lying, her body language gave it away. - The solution to the problem was totally obvious, we were just overthinking it. - The ending of the movie was totally obvious from the beginning. - It's totally obvious that he has a crush on her, he can't stop staring at her. - The error in the code was totally obvious to the experienced programmer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It was totally obvious".

The New York Times - Science

Yet it seemed totally obvious to me that 1.

The New York Times

Is he also a professor of the totally obvious?

Independent

They're also totally obvious (and therefore a bit unhelpful).

The Guardian

It was not totally obvious how he would perform.

The New Yorker

"Gregory would not believe me until it became totally obvious," David said.

The New Yorker

The response we need is not easy, but it is totally obvious.

The New York Times

The fact that there would be a crisis was totally obvious to me".

The Guardian - Business

Now, what I just said about Menu A may not be totally obvious, so let's go through the list.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is possible that, rather than making the not-totally-obvious connection between flash mobs and the complex issue of violence against women, most bystanders here will not be shaken into a new consciousness but will simply be bemused by the spectacle.

The New York Times

The results ranged from totally fucking obvious to deeply concerning.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally obvious" to emphasize that something is extremely clear and easily understood, avoiding any room for doubt or confusion. It's effective when you want to highlight the straightforward nature of a situation or fact.

Common error

While "totally obvious" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal writing or professional communications where a more nuanced or sophisticated expression might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally obvious" functions as an adjectival phrase that intensifies the adjective "obvious". It describes something that is unmistakably and completely clear. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "totally obvious" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is extremely clear and evident. Ludwig AI validates this usage. It is most frequently used in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While versatile, it may be less suitable for highly formal or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "plain as day" or "crystal clear" for enhanced clarity or specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plain as day

This idiom emphasizes the clarity and easiness to understand of something.

crystal clear

This phrase highlights the lucidity and lack of ambiguity of something.

patently clear

This alternative underscores the obviousness and undeniable nature of something.

blindingly obvious

This phrase stresses the overwhelming and impossible-to-ignore nature of something.

readily apparent

This alternative underlines the ease with which something can be seen or understood.

clear as crystal

Similar to "crystal clear", this emphasizes the transparency and ease of understanding.

easy to see

A straightforward phrase emphasizing the lack of difficulty in perceiving something.

immediately evident

This underscores the quick and unmistakable nature of something.

unmistakably clear

This phrase highlights the lack of ambiguity and the certainty of understanding.

self-evident

This term describes something that is obvious without needing further explanation.

FAQs

What does "totally obvious" mean?

The phrase "totally obvious" means something is very clear, evident, and easily understood, leaving no room for doubt or confusion.

What can I say instead of "totally obvious"?

You can use alternatives like "plain as day", "crystal clear", or "self-evident" depending on the context.

Is "totally obvious" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "totally obvious" might be too informal for strict academic writing. Consider using alternatives like "readily apparent" or "patently clear" for a more formal tone.

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

You might say, "It was "totally obvious" that she was lying because she avoided eye contact" or "The solution to the problem was "totally obvious" once we looked at the data carefully".