a plain indication of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plain indication of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that something clearly shows or signifies a particular fact or situation. Example: "The sudden drop in temperature is a plain indication of the approaching storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is too great a wrench for us to give the bankruptcy system, absent a plain indication from Congress which is lacking here.

Cornell University

At the lean, tight performance of "Rusalka" on Thursday, conducted by Adam Fischer, Mr. Herheim had similarly found the meaning of an opera not in the plain indications of the libretto but in an alternative reading that emphasizes the audience's experience.

The New York Times - Arts

One person close to the talks said that Northwest made it plain that it was looking for a big price, an indication of the strong hand the airline executives believe they hold.

The New York Times

It was a plain of sorrows, totally featureless, and disorientating, because there was no indication of where you were, how fast you were travelling and where you were going.

The Guardian - Travel

Rediscover the simple pleasure of a plain piece of fruit.

Forbes

This is plain filibustering and it is a plain abuse of the democratic process' [ 20].

BMC Health Services Research

like a plain dish of starch.

WikiHow

Get a plain bit of paper.

WikiHow

Grab a plain bar of soap.

WikiHow

Trace the outline onto a plain piece of paper.

WikiHow

Get a plain piece of paper to start off with.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a plain indication of" when you want to emphasize the straightforward and easily understood nature of a sign or signal. It suggests clarity and leaves little room for misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "a plain indication of" in formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "a clear sign of" or "a distinct indication of", which may be more appropriate for such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plain indication of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It highlights something easily perceived. It is used to clearly point something out.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plain indication of" signifies a clear and easily understood sign. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically sound, signaling its usability in various contexts. While the phrase is versatile, remember that alternatives like "a clear sign of" may offer a more sophisticated tone in formal writing. The absence of examples reflects a need to consider alternative phrasing for enhanced clarity or impact in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear sign of

Replaces "plain indication" with "clear sign", emphasizing the obvious nature of the indication.

an obvious sign of

Substitutes "plain" with "obvious", highlighting the unmistakable quality of the sign.

a distinct indication of

Uses "distinct" instead of "plain", suggesting a noticeable and unambiguous signal.

an evident sign of

Employs "evident" to underscore the readily apparent nature of the sign.

a manifest sign of

Replaces "plain" with "manifest", implying a clear and undeniable demonstration.

a palpable indication of

Uses "palpable" to suggest a readily perceivable or tangible sign.

a straightforward indication of

Replaces "plain" with "straightforward", emphasizing the direct and uncomplicated nature of the indication.

an unambiguous indication of

Substitutes "plain" with "unambiguous", highlighting the lack of uncertainty in the indication.

a telling sign of

Replaces "indication" with "sign" and adds "telling" to emphasize the significance of the sign.

a strong indication of

Replaces "plain" with "strong" to emphasize the reliability of the indication.

FAQs

What does "a plain indication of" mean?

It means a clear or obvious sign that something is the case. It suggests that the indication is easily understood and leaves little room for doubt.

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

You can use alternatives like "a clear sign of", "an obvious sign of", or "a distinct indication of" depending on the context.

How can I use "a plain indication of" in a sentence?

You can use it to point out something that clearly shows a particular fact or situation. For example: "The sudden drop in temperature is a plain indication of the approaching storm."

Is "a plain indication of" formal or informal?

It is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more sophisticated alternatives might be preferred in very formal writing.