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Grammar fix

it goes without saying

obviously / as everyone knows

Used to introduce something that is so clear or generally accepted that it doesn’t really need to be stated, but you mention it anyway for emphasis or politeness.

expressionC1occasional

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • It goes without saying that you should always check your work before handing it in.daily life
  • It goes without saying that technology has changed the way we communicate, but I think face-to-face interaction is still very important, especially in building strong relationships.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: it goes without saying (that) [clause]

WrongIt goes without to say that he agreed.

RightIt goes without saying that he agreed.

It's 'without SAYING' (-ing form), not 'to say'.

Patternit goes without saying (that) [clause]

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff It is self-evident and requires no articulation that safety is paramount.

Natural It goes without saying that safety comes first.

The chunk is the idiomatic opener; the literal 'self-evident and requires no articulation' is pompous.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • it goes without saying
    it goes without saying thatgoes without sayingbut it goes without saying

Don't confuse it

Compare with 'of course', which is shorter and more casual. 'It goes without saying' is often used to introduce a statement, while 'of course' can stand alone as a response.

Try it in Daily Speak →