a plain answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plain answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to provide a straightforward or simple response without any elaboration or complexity. Example: "I just need a plain answer to my question: Are you coming to the meeting or not?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Time: M 10 10 a.m.–12:05 p.m. Human interaction gets domestic in spaces where architecture is more than just a plain answer to our basic needs.

Cornell University

When Tynan returned to the matter in hand, asking Sartre if 'an author of extreme right-wing views could ever succeed in creating a work of art', he received a plain answer 'in my opinion, no'.

The Guardian - Film

At its core is a simple search box where users can enter questions such as "Who killed Abraham Lincoln?" and, instead of getting back a list of sites that may have the information they seek, receive a plain answer: "John Wilkes Booth". The software relies not on any advanced artificial-intelligence algorithm but rather on two surprisingly simple tricks.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I am going to try to oversimplify and give you a "plain English" answer.

HuffPost

The plain answer is yes, unless they have a specialised interest in either of the other texts.

The Guardian - Books

The plain answer to the above question is that we have a poor quality government.

Forbes

"Plain question and plain answer make the shortest road out of most perplexities".

NeuroImage

(For details, see the essays of Mark Twain, who believed that "plain question and plain answer make the shortest road out of most perplexities").

The New York Times - Magazine

I haven't met a sharper, fitter 82-year-old since I interviewed an astronaut (Charlie Duke, thanks for asking), but Sanders nevertheless carries the air of a different generation's politics; attentiveness, pens and scraps of paper, plain answers, rosettes, unembarrassed morality, a wonderfully long view.

The Guardian

Draw a plain skateboard.

WikiHow

Get a plain hairband.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a plain answer" when you want to emphasize the need for a simple, direct, and easily understood response, avoiding unnecessary details or complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "a plain answer" in highly formal or professional settings where a more nuanced or detailed response might be expected. Opt for phrases like "a comprehensive response" or "a detailed explanation" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plain answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a straightforward and uncomplicated response. It emphasizes clarity and directness in communication.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plain answer" is a noun phrase used to describe a straightforward and uncomplicated response. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its purpose is to convey the need for or delivery of a simple, clear answer. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards the informal and should be used judiciously in formal contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media sources according to Ludwig, emphasizing its role in direct communication. Alternatives include "a straightforward response" or "a simple reply".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a straightforward response

Replaces "answer" with "response", emphasizing directness.

a simple reply

Substitutes "answer" with "reply", suggesting brevity.

a direct response

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the answer.

a clear answer

Focuses on the understandability of the response.

an unambiguous answer

Highlights the lack of multiple interpretations.

an explicit answer

Stresses the completeness and clarity of the answer.

a concise answer

Emphasizes the brevity and succinctness of the response.

a terse answer

Implies a brief and sometimes abrupt response.

a blunt answer

Indicates a direct and potentially insensitive response.

a candid answer

Stresses honesty and frankness in the response.

FAQs

How can I use "a plain answer" in a sentence?

You can use "a plain answer" when you want to emphasize the need for a simple, direct, and easily understood response, avoiding unnecessary details or complexity. For example, "I just need "a plain answer" to my question: Are you coming or not?"

What can I say instead of "a plain answer"?

You can use alternatives like "a straightforward response", "a simple reply", or "a direct response" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a plain answer"?

It's appropriate to use "a plain answer" when you need someone to be clear and concise, without getting bogged down in details. It's useful in situations where clarity and efficiency are paramount.

What's the difference between "a plain answer" and "a detailed explanation"?

"A plain answer" is brief and to the point, while "a detailed explanation" provides a comprehensive and thorough account. Use "a plain answer" when simplicity is key, and "a detailed explanation" when thoroughness is required.