Cool MateIt was clearer than a memory vs Obvious
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
It was clearer than a memory
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Obvious
Top 1,000 (very common)B1adjective
Most common: Obvious
| It was clearer than a memory | Obvious | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪt wəz ˈklɪərər ðən ə ˈmɛməri//🇺🇸 //ɪt wəz ˈklɪrər ðən ə ˈmɛməri// | 🇬🇧 //ˈɒbvɪəs//🇺🇸 //ˈɑːbvɪəs// |
| Meaning | It was easier to understand than a memory. | Easy to see or understand |
| Example | That explanation was clearer than a memory of my childhood. | It's obvious that she is very talented. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | clearer than ever, clearer than day, as clear as a bell | obvious choice, obvious answer, obvious conclusion |
| Antonyms | - | hidden, ambiguous, unclear |
| Common mistakes | Misunderstanding 'clearer' as only visual clarity., Using in overly formal contexts., Confusing with similar phrases like 'clear as day'. | Confusing with 'oblivious', which means unaware., Using 'obvious' with negative sentences incorrectly, e.g., 'It's not obvious that he is late.', Overusing in formal writing, where 'clear' may be more suitable. |
| Usage notes | Used in informal discussions to express that something is very obvious, clearer than a vague recollection. Avoid in very formal writing. | Use 'obvious' to indicate something that doesn't need explanation. It's neutral and fits in various contexts, but avoid it in overly formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: It was clearer than a memory vs Obvious
What's the difference between It was clearer than a memory and Obvious?
It was clearer than a memory: It was easier to understand than a memory. Obvious: Easy to see or understand
Which is more common: It was clearer than a memory and Obvious?
Obvious is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
It was clearer than a memory: That explanation was clearer than a memory of my childhood. Obvious: It's obvious that she is very talented.
Can I use It was clearer than a memory and Obvious interchangeably?
Not always. It was clearer than a memory and Obvious are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.