Guide 79 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read

Better ways to say “It goes without saying”

Five words that admit they're not needed.

i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler

If it truly goes without saying, delete it. If it doesn't, drop the preamble and say it. Writers use this phrase to soften a claim that's actually obvious or to pretend obvious things are being said for the first time.

ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo

Before

It goes without saying that data protection is paramount.

After

Data protection is paramount.

iii · The alternatives4 ways out

01

Clearly neutral

signals agreement

Clearly, data protection is paramount.
02

Plainly formal

firmer than "clearly"

Plainly, data protection is paramount.
03

Obviously neutral

conversational

Obviously, data protection is paramount.
04

Of course neutral

warm agreement

Of course, data protection is paramount.

iv · Brew tipKeep this one

The best version is almost always to delete the opener and let the sentence stand.