it goes without saying

Meaning

This expression means that something is so obvious, self-evident, or generally accepted that it does not need to be explicitly stated or explained. In academic writing, it is used to establish common ground or to emphasize an undeniable premise before moving on to more complex points.

Examples

• It goes without saying that thorough research is the foundation of any successful academic paper.

  It goes without saying that thorough research is the foundation of any successful academic paper.

• While the experiment was complex, it goes without saying that safety precautions were strictly followed.

  While the experiment was complex, it goes without saying that safety precautions were strictly followed.

• It goes without saying that clean water is essential for public health and economic development.

  It goes without saying that clean water is essential for public health and economic development.

• Although we analyzed many variables, it goes without saying that human error cannot be completely ruled out.

  Although we analyzed many variables, it goes without saying that human error cannot be completely ruled out.

• It goes without saying that a strong thesis statement is crucial for a well-structured essay.

  It goes without saying that a strong thesis statement is crucial for a well-structured essay.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ It goes without say that education is important.

  ✓ It goes without saying that education is important.

  The expression must use the gerund 'saying', not the base verb 'say'.

• ✗ Goes without saying that we need more funding.

  ✓ It goes without saying that we need more funding.

  Do not drop the dummy pronoun 'It' at the beginning of the sentence in formal or academic writing.

Related Expressions

Practice

• ___ that all participants in the clinical trial must provide informed consent.

  💡 it is completely obvious and accepted

  Show answer

  It goes without saying

• While the technology is innovative, ___ that it must also be affordable for the public.

  💡 it is self-evident

  Show answer

  it goes without saying