was perfectly obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was perfectly obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was clear or evident in a past context. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it was perfectly obvious that the team had made a mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The "anxiety of influence" situation that resulted was perfectly obvious to Barthelme.

The New Yorker

I should add that it was perfectly obvious to her mother what we were doing.

The New Yorker

It was "perfectly obvious from the letter that this cause her a great deal of grief", Edis said.

The Guardian

Why, when I came back the other night, it was perfectly obvious that someone had been smoking dope in the TV room.

Independent

The problem was perfectly obvious; an element took it upon themselves to immediately head to the Rangers end of the ground and goad the opposition.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Mbeki said that it was "perfectly obvious" that Mr. Zuma had to resign as his deputy president after Mr. Shaik's corruption conviction.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

JODL: That is perfectly obvious.

Yale University

Why this should be is perfectly obvious.

The Economist

Surely the reason is perfectly obvious.

The Guardian

"It is perfectly obvious that there are serious domestic problems.

The New York Times

The one thing that is perfectly obvious is that they are having a lot of fun!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was perfectly obvious" to emphasize that something was not only clear but also should have been easily understood by everyone involved. Avoid using it when describing complex or nuanced situations where clarity might be subjective.

Common error

Avoid using "was perfectly obvious" when describing situations where understanding depends on personal experience or perspective. It can come across as dismissive of others' viewpoints if misused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was perfectly obvious" functions as an adjective phrase describing a past state of affairs. According to Ludwig, the usage is correct and can be used to indicate that something was clear or evident in a past context. It often modifies an implied subject (e.g., "It was perfectly obvious").

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was perfectly obvious" serves to highlight the transparent and easily understandable nature of a past situation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase as grammatically correct and frequently employed, especially in News & Media and Academic contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to wield it judiciously, avoiding its application in subjective scenarios to prevent unintended dismissiveness. Alternative expressions such as ""was abundantly clear"" or ""was plainly apparent"" can offer nuanced alternatives, depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was abundantly clear

Replaces "perfectly obvious" with "abundantly clear", emphasizing the lack of ambiguity.

was patently evident

Substitutes "perfectly obvious" with "patently evident", highlighting the readily visible nature of something.

was plainly apparent

Replaces "perfectly obvious" with "plainly apparent", focusing on the simplicity and ease of perception.

was self-evident

Indicates the truth is apparent without explanation.

was readily discernible

Substitutes "perfectly obvious" with "readily discernible", stressing the ease with which something can be recognized.

was unmistakable

Offers a more concise alternative, emphasizing the lack of doubt or confusion.

was crystal clear

Emphasizes clarity using the metaphor of crystal.

was clear as day

Uses a common idiom to describe something very easy to see or understand.

was beyond question

Shifts focus to the indisputable nature of the fact.

was a foregone conclusion

Suggests the outcome was predictable and inevitable.

FAQs

What does "was perfectly obvious" mean?

The phrase "was perfectly obvious" means that something was very clear and easy to understand, leaving no room for doubt or confusion.

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

You can use "was perfectly obvious" to describe a situation or fact that should have been easily understood. For instance, "It "was perfectly obvious" that the team needed more resources to complete the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "was perfectly obvious"?

Alternatives to "was perfectly obvious" include "was abundantly clear", "was plainly apparent", or "was crystal clear". These phrases offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "was perfectly obvious"?

Yes, it's best to avoid using "was perfectly obvious" in situations where understanding depends on personal perspective or specialized knowledge. It can sound condescending or dismissive if the matter isn't truly obvious to everyone.