a plain assertion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plain assertion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a statement that is straightforward and unembellished, often in discussions or analyses of arguments. Example: "His claim was nothing more than a plain assertion, lacking any supporting evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

'When as here there is a plain assertion of federal rights in the lower court, local rules as to how far it shall be reviewed on appeal do not necessarily prevail.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And if sometimes one resists plain assertions of belief, as in one or two of the "Wounds" poems, then there are pieces such as "On Easter Saturday" that are wholly convincing in their depiction of a faith hedged with doubt and uncertainty.

The Guardian - Books

By "Gospel values," Griswold does not mean what Bishop Duncan might mean — that is, a plain understanding of Paul's assertion to the Corinthians, for one example, that "neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites... will inherit the kingdom of God".

The New Yorker

It can be a plain text password, a X.509 certificate [13] or even a SAML assertion [28].

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

"A plain pine box.

The New York Times

A plain chronology seems manageable.

The New Yorker

A plain brick building.

The Guardian

Preferably a plain gray one.

The New York Times - Magazine

A plain salesman could not.

The New York Times - Food

A plain old microfiber cloth.

The New York Times

a Plain radiograph.

Insights into Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a plain assertion" when you want to emphasize the simplicity and directness of a statement, often in contrast to more complex or nuanced arguments. Ensure the context supports the idea that the statement is straightforward and requires no further embellishment.

Common error

Avoid using "a plain assertion" too frequently in formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes come across as dismissive or lacking in depth. If a statement is truly significant, consider providing additional context or analysis to support its validity, rather than simply labeling it as 'plain'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plain assertion" functions as a noun phrase, where 'plain' modifies 'assertion', indicating a straightforward and uncomplicated declaration. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct, though examples are rare.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plain assertion" is a noun phrase used to describe a statement that is straightforward, simple, and often lacking in supporting evidence. While grammatically correct, as indicated by Ludwig AI, it appears relatively rarely in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, consider whether more elaboration is necessary to strengthen your argument. Alternatives such as ""a simple statement"" or ""a straightforward claim"" may offer similar meanings depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple declaration

Focuses on the uncomplicated nature of the statement, emphasizing clarity over potential challenge.

a straightforward claim

Highlights the directness of the statement, suggesting a lack of ambiguity.

an explicit statement

Emphasizes the clearness and unambiguity of the assertion.

a clear proclamation

Conveys a sense of open and unambiguous declaration.

a direct avowal

Highlights the honesty of the statement, often carrying legal or formal undertones.

a bald statement

Implies a blunt, unadorned declaration, possibly lacking nuance or supporting evidence.

an unsubstantiated claim

Indicates a statement lacking evidence but not necessarily lacking complexity.

an unproven allegation

Suggests an assertion that requires validation, potentially involving contentious matter.

a barefaced lie

Denotes a bold-faced deception, differing from a plain assertion's intent of transparency.

an unsupported statement

Refers to a claim without validation or proof.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "a plain assertion" into a sentence?

You can use "a plain assertion" to describe a statement that is direct and simple, such as: "His argument rested on "a plain assertion" of fact without any supporting evidence."

What are some alternatives to using "a plain assertion"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you might use alternatives such as "a simple statement", "a straightforward claim", or "an explicit statement".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a plain assertion"?

It's appropriate when you wish to highlight that a particular statement is presented without much supporting evidence or complex reasoning. It often implies the statement is either self-evident or potentially requires further justification.

How does "a plain assertion" differ from "an unsupported claim"?

"A plain assertion" focuses on the simplicity and directness of a statement, while "an unsupported claim" emphasizes the lack of evidence or validation for that statement. The latter has a more negative connotation, implying the statement is questionable.