use it goes without saying in writing

[alpacinou]

Hello all.

Is it okay to use "it goes without saying" in a semi-formal writing like the essay in the TOEFL test?

Is this correct?

It goes without saying that children who are deprived of a proper upbringing are more likely to become criminals.

 

[Tarheel]

It's OK. But I wouldn't use that phrase.

 

[alpacinou]

I wouldn't use that phrase.

Why?

 

[Tarheel]

It's empty. You can do without it entirely and lose nothing.

 

[tedmc]

It's empty. You can do without it entirely and lose nothing.

I agree. It is called "padding".

 

[alpacinou]

I understand that it's extra but is it okay to use in a formal writing?

Is this completely okay?

It goes without saying that children who are deprived of a proper upbringing are more likely to become criminals.

 

[Tarheel]

Yes. It's OK.* (Many people are not as picky as I am. )

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*I said that in post #2.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Why?

Because if it really goes without saying, there's no good reason to say it.

Usually when people use it, they either go on to say something that does not go without saying or say something that didn't need to be said.

Sometimes it's okay:

- That Empire State building sure is tall!

- Yes. Of course! That goes without saying. But do you know exactly how many feet tall it is?