a plain object

USAGE SUMMARY

"a plain object" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe an object that is simple, unadorned, or lacking in decoration. For example, "She placed a plain object on the table, drawing everyone's attention." Alternative expressions include "a simple object" and "an unadorned object."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A patent filing by Apple describes a pair of devices with the plain object of providing the user with both OS X and iOS on demand.

TechCrunch

It could be the name of a country, city, or just a plain old object.

WikiHow

The plain object of the charter was to relieve the citizens of Chicago from it.

Cornell University

The plain object of this legislation is to discourage and, if possible, prevent gambling.

Cornell University

A plain old Java object (POJO) is an ordinary Java object, not bound by any special restriction or bogged down by framework extensions [119, 120].

Journal of Big Data

Instead, Java plain objects or just primitive types are used, optionally grouped in tuples.

Journal of Big Data

The previous OG can also be viewed at the level of plain objects, as presented in Fig. 7.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Later, he can zoom into the extracted graph, in order to get more information at the level of plain objects.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

The best are metaphysical: when a Giacometti bronze meets a plain brown bag (two objects that embody volume and flatness, presence and void), Muniz suggests that seeing is more than believing, because art is a place beyond belief.

The New Yorker

However, if the clinician suspects sharp foreign objects, a plain abdominal X-ray should be obtained first prior to examination to lessen the likelihood of inadvertent injury to either the patient or clinician.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

For simple objects, a plain, one colour background is recommended.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, use "a plain object" to create contrast with something ornate, emphasizing the object's humbleness or its potential to be transformed.

Common error

Avoid using "a plain object" when the simplicity is functional rather than visual. For example, if a tool is easy to use but has a complex design, "a simple tool" is more accurate than "a plain object", which implies a lack of visual detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plain object" functions as a noun phrase consisting of an indefinite article, a descriptive adjective and a common noun. According to Ludwig, it is used as a direct object or subject to categorize entities that lack specialized features or adornment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "a plain object" is a versatile and correct English phrase used across various domains. Ludwig AI identifies its usage in three primary ways: as a description of a simple physical item, as a technical term in computer programming (referring to unadorned data structures) and as a formal synonym for a clear objective. While it is widely accepted and common, writers should ensure the context clarifies whether 'plain' refers to visual aesthetics or functional simplicity. Its presence in high-authority sources like The New York Times and Cornell University confirms its status as a reliable choice for professional and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple object

Focuses on the lack of complexity or features rather than just the visual surface

an unadorned object

Emphasizes the absence of decoration or embellishment

an ordinary object

Suggests something commonplace or unremarkable

a clear purpose

Matches the archaic or legal usage where 'object' means 'goal'

a featureless object

Highlights a total lack of identifying marks or characteristics

a basic item

Uses more casual vocabulary and focuses on utility

a minimalist object

Implies an intentional aesthetic choice of simplicity

a standard object

Used in technical contexts to denote a default or non-specialized instance

a vanilla object

Informal or programming slang for something without additions

an obvious goal

Alternative for the abstract meaning of a visible or stated objective

FAQs

What is the difference between "a plain object" and "a simple object"?

While often interchangeable, "a plain object" usually describes a lack of decoration or obvious features on the surface, whereas "a simple object" often refers to the lack of complexity in its internal structure or function.

Can "a plain object" refer to a goal or purpose?

Yes, in legal or formal contexts, it can mean "a clear goal". For example, 'The plain object of the law was to prevent fraud' uses 'object' as a synonym for 'objective'.

How is "a plain object" used in programming?

In software development, it often refers to "a basic data structure" that isn't tied to a specific framework, commonly known as a POJO (Plain Old Java Object) or a literal object in JavaScript.

Is "a plain object" considered formal or informal?

It is generally neutral. You can find it in "informal guides" like WikiHow or in highly formal "academic papers" and news outlets like The New York Times.