Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a plain message
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a plain message" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a message that is straightforward, clear, and without embellishments or complexity. Example: "The email contained a plain message that clearly outlined the project's objectives."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
In condemning the attack, the Indian prime minister, Manmohan Singh, sent a plain message that his country would not quit, and that the Indian engagement in Afghanistan would "continue with renewed commitment".
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
Occasionally he can still stumble over words but he delivers a plainer message in plainer language.
News & Media
I was able to receive coded messages correctly via Kibo, but managed to send what I thought was a coded secret as a plain text message — so some care is needed.
News & Media
However, remember that a plain text message can be safer to read because the images -- and any malicious software or tracking bugs possibly embedded within them -- don't automatically open when you read the message.
News & Media
The experimental groups were presented with the two apology sequences, and the control group was given a plain computer message.
Science
Expressive Speech is "the speech which gives us information, other than the plain message, about the speaker and triggers a response to the listener" [45].
John Swinney, the Scottish education secretary, admitted the Pisa figures "undoubtedly make uncomfortable reading" but said its findings underlined the "plain message" that sweeping reforms of school education were needed.
News & Media
A new finding has been made in the proposed method where separate calculations for encoding plain message to elliptic curve coordinate is removed.
Elliptic curve analogue ElGamal encryption scheme requires encoding of the plain message onto elliptic curve coordinate using Koblitz encoding technique before encryption operation.
Guesswork, as suggested in [44, 45], measures the expected number of guesses to perform in optimal brute force attack (where the attacker has perfect knowledge about symbols probability distribution) to find the plain message.
Part of the power is used to transmit the base layer signal (the NC coded message in NC + SC, the plain message in pure SC, the FRNC coded message in FRNC + SC), and the remaining power is used to transmit the secondary signal to.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When aiming for clarity, use "a plain message" to convey information without unnecessary jargon or complexity. This is especially useful in situations where the audience may not have specialized knowledge.
Common error
Avoid using overly complex language or jargon when "a plain message" is sufficient. Overcomplicating the message can lead to confusion and dilute the intended impact.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a plain message" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the type of message being communicated, emphasizing its straightforward and uncomplicated nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
40%
Science
30%
Wiki
10%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Encyclopedias
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a plain message" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a clear, straightforward communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in English writing. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its versatility across different domains. To enhance clarity, consider using "a plain message" when you want to avoid ambiguity and ensure your message is easily understood. While alternatives like "a clear message" or "a simple message" exist, "a plain message" emphasizes the lack of embellishment and artifice in the communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a clear message
Replaces "plain" with "clear", emphasizing the understandability of the message.
a simple message
Substitutes "plain" with "simple", highlighting the lack of complexity in the message.
a straightforward message
Replaces "plain" with "straightforward", focusing on the directness of the message.
a direct message
Similar to straightforward, emphasizing the lack of indirectness.
an unambiguous message
Focuses on the lack of potential for misinterpretation.
an explicit message
Highlights the message being clearly expressed and leaving nothing implied.
a concise message
Emphasizes the brevity and lack of unnecessary detail.
a no-frills message
Highlights the lack of embellishment or unnecessary additions.
a basic message
Stresses the fundamental and uncomplicated nature of the message.
an easily understood message
Shifts focus to the message's accessibility and comprehension.
FAQs
How can I use "a plain message" in a sentence?
You can use "a plain message" to describe communication that is clear and straightforward, such as, "The politician delivered "a plain message" about the need for economic reform".
What's the difference between "a plain message" and "a clear message"?
While both convey simplicity, "a clear message" emphasizes understandability, while "a plain message" focuses on the lack of embellishment or complexity.
Which is correct, "a plain message" or "a simple message"?
Both are correct and often interchangeable. However, "a simple message" might suggest a basic level of information, while "a plain message" implies directness and lack of artifice.
What can I say instead of "a plain message"?
You can use alternatives like "a straightforward message", "a direct message", or "an unambiguous message depending on the context.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested