a plain red

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plain red" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is simple or unadorned in color, specifically red. Example: "She wore a plain red dress to the party, which stood out among the more elaborate outfits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

He then raised a plain red flag as a declaration of his bloodcurdling intentions.

The New York Times - Arts

But the campaign he devised, featuring white letters on a plain red background, captured the essence of the product's appeal simply and memorably.

The Economist

Hunter, originally Normal College, was one recipient; another was the Baptist Home for the Aged, which put up a plain red brick structure just south of Hunter.

The New York Times

A plain red flag was used in Oman as early as ad 750, and from 1868 to 1871 a plain white flag, symbol of the imam (religious leader), served as the national flag.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Red was the colour of the revolutionary flag, and green was added so that the new national flag would not be confused with the old royal standard, which had a plain red background.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It has a plain red cover so you won't stand out as a guidebook-using tourist while sipping mojitos in cool bars, and contains information on where to find drugs, sex and designer sunglasses, with no mention of Gaudi.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Under aseptic techniques, 5 ml of peripheral venous blood was drawn (avoiding the use of a tourniquet), 2.5 ml delivered to a gray-top fluoride container for lactate and 2.5 ml to a plain red-top container for phosphate.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Architecturally, it is a plain red-brick building with a large stuccoed extension on the second floor, affecting the ambience of Tilbury Place and the neighbouring listed buildings.

Wikipedia

On the sand were a woman and man of indeterminate age, trying to fly what appeared to be a fairly plain red kite.

Huffington Post

Cut out a short plain red grosgrain ribbon.

WikiHow

Prior to the game, it had been announced that the club would also be wearing a new kit design to mark this occasion for one season only a plain red shirt (a departure from the traditional red and black stripes) was worn for the first time during this game, which Andover won 3 2.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an object, specify the type of object after the phrase "a plain red" for clarity. For example, "a plain red shirt" is more descriptive than just "a plain red."

Common error

Avoid using "a plain red" repeatedly in descriptive passages, as it can become monotonous. Instead, vary your descriptions by incorporating other sensory details or figurative language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plain red" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun is characterized by the color red and lacks any additional patterns, designs, or embellishments. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase is used to describe flags, clothing, and other objects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

24%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a plain red" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is simply red, lacking any ornamentation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and identifies its prevalent contexts in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. While "a plain red" is versatile, related phrases such as "a simple red" and "an unadorned red" can offer subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the object being described and avoiding overuse in creative writing for a more engaging style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple red

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

an unadorned red

Uses "unadorned" to highlight the absence of decoration.

a basic red

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the red color.

a stark red

Highlights the boldness and simplicity of the red.

a flat red

Suggests a lack of texture or dimension in the red.

a single-color red

Specifies that the red is of a single, uniform color.

a bare red

Indicates a lack of any additional elements or features.

a muted red

Implies a subdued or less vibrant red hue.

a standard red

Refers to a typical or conventional shade of red.

a solid red

Describes a red color that is consistent and unbroken.

FAQs

How can I use "a plain red" in a sentence?

You can use "a plain red" to describe objects lacking ornamentation, such as "The room featured "a plain red carpet"" or "He wore "a plain red shirt"".

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

You can use alternatives like "a simple red", "an unadorned red", or "a basic red" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a plain red" or "a simple red"?

Both "a plain red" and "a simple red" are correct and can be used interchangeably to describe something that is a basic red color without any embellishments.

What's the difference between "a plain red" and "a bright red"?

"A plain red" emphasizes the lack of ornamentation or complexity, while "a bright red" refers to the intensity and vividness of the color itself.