What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clearly
Example
She spoke clearly and everyone in the room understood her. [clearly: adverb]
Example
The instructions were written clearly, making it easy for me to follow. [clearly: adjective]
obviously
Example
He obviously didn't study for the test because he didn't know any of the answers. [obviously: adverb]
Example
It's obvious that she's upset because she's been crying. [obvious: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clearly is more commonly used than obviously in everyday language, as it is versatile and can be used in various contexts. Obviously is more informal and often used in casual conversations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clearly and obviously?
While clearly can be used in both formal and informal contexts, obviously is generally considered less formal and more suitable for informal situations.
