Obviously: presenting a fact as clear

The idea

Use obviously at the beginning or within a sentence to signal that something seems clear.

Examples

• Obviously, the door is locked.
• The plant is obviously growing.
• Obviously, the road is too narrow for a bus.
• The children obviously enjoyed the puppet show.
• That box is obviously empty.
• Obviously, we need a larger table.

Watch out

Obviously expresses the speaker’s judgment; it can sound rude if the listener does not share that knowledge.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the word that presents the fact as clear. The ground is wet and rain is falling. It is ___ raining. (obviously / occasionally)

   Show answer or example answer

   obviously

   Obviously fits the visible rain.

2. Choose the word that presents the fact as clear. The sign says CLOSED in large letters. The shop is ___ closed. (obviously / normally)

   Show answer or example answer

   obviously

   Obviously presents the sign as clear evidence of closure.

3. Choose the word that presents the fact as clear. The missing wheel makes it ___ unsafe to ride the bike. (obviously / occasionally)

   Show answer or example answer

   obviously

   Obviously marks the missing wheel as clear evidence of danger.

Use it today

Describe something that seems clear from visible evidence.