a plain job

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plain job" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a job that is simple, straightforward, or lacking in complexity or embellishment. Example: "He prefers a plain job that allows him to focus on the basics without unnecessary complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"You don't want it to become empty or just a plain job," he said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The OurGrid and the OAR/CiGri use a plain text file, a job description file (jdf) and a job description language (jdl), respectively, that contains the job description for grid submission.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

An electric hand whisk will make this easy but a plain whisk will do the job.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bernard Cazeneuve, who was Europe minister, is taking on this job at an especially testing moment.Mr Cahuzac's departure is also a plain embarrassment.

The Economist

Jobs met with him, slyly pulling Apple's mobile video progenitor device out of a plain paper lunch bag.

TechCrunch

"A plain pine box.

The New York Times

A plain brick building.

The Guardian

A plain chronology seems manageable.

The New Yorker

Preferably a plain gray one.

The New York Times - Magazine

A plain salesman could not.

The New York Times - Food

I'm a plain speaker".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a job as "a plain job", consider if more specific adjectives like 'simple', 'routine', or 'basic' might provide clearer detail about the job's nature.

Common error

Avoid using "plain" when you actually mean 'unpleasant' or 'boring'. "Plain" primarily indicates simplicity, not necessarily negativity. Choose a descriptor that accurately reflects the job's undesirable qualities, if any.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plain job" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'plain' modifies the noun 'job'. It serves to describe the nature or quality of the job being referenced. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plain job" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe work that is simple, straightforward, and lacks complexity. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the phrase is relatively rare and carries a neutral to informal tone. Consider context and the specific qualities you wish to emphasize when using it. Alternatives like "a simple job" or "a routine job" may offer greater clarity. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources. Ludwig AI suggests that the word "plain" means simple, not necessarily unpleasant or boring.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple job

Replaces 'plain' with 'simple', emphasizing the lack of complexity.

a straightforward job

Highlights the ease and clarity of the job's requirements.

a basic job

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the work.

an uncomplicated job

Directly states the absence of complications.

a routine job

Emphasizes the repetitive and predictable nature of the work.

an ordinary job

Highlights the commonness and lack of special qualities.

a regular job

Indicates a typical and standard employment.

a humdrum job

Suggests a lack of excitement or stimulation.

a monotonous job

Focuses on the repetitive and unvarying nature of the task.

a workaday job

Emphasizes the everyday and unremarkable quality of the job.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe a job as "a plain job"?

Describing a job as "a plain job" typically means it's simple, straightforward, and lacks complexity or special features. It suggests the work is routine and uncomplicated.

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

You can use alternatives like "a simple job", "a routine job", or "a straightforward job" depending on the context.

Is it negative to describe a job as "a plain job"?

Not necessarily. While "plain" can sometimes imply a lack of excitement, it mainly suggests simplicity and a lack of complications. It's neutral unless the context adds a negative connotation.

In what contexts would I use the phrase "a plain job"?

You might use "a plain job" when contrasting it with more complex or challenging roles, or when describing work that doesn't require specialized skills or knowledge.