utterly obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is very clear or self-evident. Example: "The solution to the problem was utterly obvious once we reviewed the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

How utterly obvious.

The New York Times

"It was utterly obvious that we should be doing that".

The New Yorker

Somehow, her gravelly Gauloises voice and theatrical delivery make even the utterly obvious sound philosophical.

The Guardian - Travel

It might seem very easy to dispense with fictionalism, because it might seem utterly obvious that sentences such as "2 + 2 = 4" are true.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Perception requires both your eyes and your mind, and if your mind is engaged, you can fail to see something that would otherwise be utterly obvious.

The New York Times

And then, he says something utterly obvious and yet, thoroughly remarkable: "I could deny it before but I know I am ill now".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Utterly banal, obvious observations that the mass-marketing of food is killing it.

The New Yorker

It was the forlornness of the abandoned trees that inspired her to start "dragging them home and personifying them, caring for them, trying to make the tree like me and me like it," said the artist, whose artwork was all the more compelling because it was so utterly without obvious commercial intent.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, this procedure would be utterly impractical for obvious reasons.

Progress in Biomaterials

"The commercial is an utterly offensive, childishly obvious attempt to resuscitate a badly battered reputation for purely commercial purposes with what I'm sure somebody imagines to be one 'bold stroke,'" says Martin Puris, a longtime ad agency executive who is now CEO of Engine USA, an integrated communications company in New York.

Forbes

However, it's a shame that an all-out money grab has to be done in such an obvious and utterly lame fashion.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly obvious" to express a strong sense of clarity, but avoid overuse, as it can sound condescending. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "plainly apparent" or "clearly evident".

Common error

While "utterly obvious" effectively conveys strong clarity, it can come across as too informal or even condescending in academic or professional contexts. Opt for phrases like "patently clear" or "manifestly evident" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly obvious" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its quality of being extremely clear and apparent. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently employed to highlight the self-evident nature of a particular fact or situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "utterly obvious" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something as extremely clear and apparent. As Ludwig AI states, it's frequently employed across various writing styles, but it's more frequent in News & Media than in academic fields. While its usage is straightforward, it's advisable to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "manifestly clear" in professional or scholarly settings. Remember to avoid overuse, as it can be perceived as condescending. To enhance your writing, explore other related phrases, each offering a subtle nuance in meaning, like "patently clear" or "completely evident".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely evident

Emphasizes comprehensiveness of the evidence, making the clarity indisputable.

patently clear

Highlights the undeniable and readily visible nature of the clarity.

blatantly obvious

Implies an offensive or shameless quality to the obviousness.

plainly apparent

Focuses on ease of perception and lack of subtlety.

unmistakably clear

Stresses the impossibility of misinterpreting or misunderstanding.

indubitably obvious

Emphasizes the certainty and lack of any doubt about the obviousness.

transparently evident

Highlights the ease with which something can be seen through or understood.

manifestly clear

Focuses on the undeniable and easily perceived nature of the clarity.

undeniably apparent

Emphasizes the impossibility of denying the apparent nature of something.

absolutely evident

Highlights the completeness and totality of the evidence.

FAQs

What does "utterly obvious" mean?

The phrase "utterly obvious" means something is extremely clear, apparent, and requires no further explanation or justification.

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

You can use "utterly obvious" to emphasize a point that's easily understood. For example, "It was "utterly obvious" that he was lying."

What are some alternatives to "utterly obvious"?

Some alternatives to "utterly obvious" include "patently clear", "plainly apparent", or "completely evident". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "utterly obvious" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "utterly obvious" may be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using alternatives such as "manifestly clear" or "indubitably obvious" to maintain a more formal tone.