what is obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is clear or self-evident in a discussion or argument. Example: "In this debate, we must acknowledge what is obvious: the need for immediate action to address climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is the idea that, contra 1, the paraphrase reveals that what is obvious and/or apparent might not be exactly what we thought?

SEP

What is obvious is that he is toiling — for us!

The New Yorker

What is obvious is that he is toiling for us!

The New Yorker

Deciding what is "obvious" is often far from obvious, however.

The New York Times

Of course, what is obvious is sometimes wrong.

The New York Times

I agree with Justice Brandeis that history should not be necessary to prove what is obvious.

Cornell University

As you note, what is obvious to some readers is a mystery to others.

The New York Times

At least I hope it's obvious; it is not always obvious what is obvious.

The New York Times - Magazine

What is obvious is that Facebook can't continue to grow at it current rate.

Independent

What is obvious is that General Chan-ocha has all the power.

Independent

I think it's very healthy to force oneself to not necessarily go for what is obvious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what is obvious", ensure that it truly is obvious to your target audience. Consider their background knowledge and perspective to avoid miscommunication.

Common error

Avoid using "what is obvious" when introducing a potentially complex or nuanced idea. What seems obvious to you might not be clear to others, leading to confusion or misinterpretation. Instead, provide context or explanation to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is obvious" functions as a noun clause, often serving as the subject or complement of a sentence. It introduces a fact, idea, or situation considered easily understood. Ludwig AI examples confirm its frequent use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what is obvious" functions as a noun clause to present commonly understood facts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, primarily in news media. While the phrase is suitable for diverse writing scenarios, it’s crucial to ensure true obviousness to the intended audience, preventing potential misunderstandings. When more clarity is needed, alternatives such as "what is clear" or "what is evident" may be more appropriate to provide additional emphasis. Its wide applicability makes it a useful element in writing, provided it's employed judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is clear

Focuses on the lucidity and lack of ambiguity, rather than the self-evidence.

what is evident

Highlights the readily apparent nature of something, emphasizing that it's easily seen or understood.

what is apparent

Stresses the visible or easily noticeable aspect, implying that something is readily observable.

what is self-evident

Emphasizes that something requires no proof or explanation; it's obvious in itself.

what is plain to see

Highlights the ease of understanding and visual clarity of a situation or fact.

what is manifest

Implies something is plainly revealed or displayed, focusing on its overt presence.

what is patent

Stresses the obviousness to the point of being undeniable or indisputable.

what is beyond question

Indicates that something is so obvious that it cannot be doubted or challenged.

what is an open secret

Suggests something that is widely known but not officially acknowledged.

what is a given

Implies something accepted as a basis for argument or action; something presumed or known.

FAQs

How can I use "what is obvious" in a sentence?

You can use "what is obvious" to introduce a statement or fact that is easily understood or apparent. For example, "What is obvious is that immediate action is needed."

What are some alternatives to using "what is obvious"?

Alternatives include phrases like "what is clear", "what is evident", or "what is apparent", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it not appropriate to use "what is obvious"?

It's not appropriate when the information might not be readily apparent to everyone, or when introducing a controversial or nuanced idea. In such cases, providing context and explanation is better.

Is "what is obvious" the same as "what seems obvious"?

Not exactly. "What is obvious" implies a higher degree of certainty and widespread agreement, while "what seems obvious" suggests a subjective perception that may not be universally shared.