a plain understanding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plain understanding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a straightforward or uncomplicated grasp of a concept or situation. Example: "After reviewing the material, I believe I have a plain understanding of the main ideas presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He can review your situation and help you come to a plain understanding of your options.

Cornell University

Since then, he has breached a plain understanding that the two men (and a small third party) would share out the main ministries in an equitable manner.

The Economist

By "Gospel values," Griswold does not mean what Bishop Duncan might mean — that is, a plain understanding of Paul's assertion to the Corinthians, for one example, that "neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites... will inherit the kingdom of God".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Kerik characterized the language of his allocutions in the guilty pleas as the byproduct of extensive negotiations between his lawyers and prosecutors, and not a reflection of his plain understanding of what had happened.

The New York Times

"Music, as a universal language, guarantees plain understanding among civilizations," said Mr. Ortiz.

Unicef

It's just a plain and simple understanding of the natural order of things.

Huffington Post

"In Italy," he says, "the Catholic religion is so dominant that I think people appreciate, in my book, a simple story, and a plain way of understanding humanity without nonsense".

Vice

Anti-Federalists charged that the Constitution was so difficult to read that it amounted to a conspiracy against the understanding of a plain man, that it was willfully incomprehensible.

The New Yorker

I love that you were understanding whenever I was in just a plain flat out bad mood.

Huffington Post

"A plain pine box.

The New York Times

A plain brick building.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a plain understanding" when you want to emphasize that something is easily grasped and doesn't require extensive knowledge or expertise.

Common error

Avoid using "a plain understanding" when the context requires a more nuanced or in-depth comprehension. This phrase is best suited for situations where simplicity and clarity are key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plain understanding" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or the subject complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It signifies a basic or uncomplicated grasp of a concept.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a plain understanding" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a straightforward and uncomplicated comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, though its frequency is relatively rare. The phrase is versatile, appearing in news, business, and academic contexts. While it implies simplicity, it's crucial to use it judiciously, ensuring the context doesn't demand a more nuanced or in-depth analysis. Related phrases like "a clear grasp" or "simple comprehension" can serve as alternatives depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear grasp

Emphasizes the clarity and completeness of comprehension.

a simple comprehension

Highlights the ease and lack of complexity in understanding.

an elementary understanding

Suggests a basic, foundational level of understanding.

a straightforward interpretation

Focuses on the directness and lack of ambiguity in the understanding.

an uncomplicated concept

Replaces the abstract "understanding" with the concrete "concept", stressing its simplicity.

a basic knowledge

Indicates a foundational level of familiarity with a subject.

an easy appreciation

Emphasizes the effortless nature of understanding or valuing something.

a readily available insight

Highlights the accessibility and immediacy of the understanding.

a direct awareness

Stresses the unmediated and immediate nature of the understanding.

a transparent recognition

Focuses on the clarity and lack of hidden elements in the understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a plain understanding" to indicate that someone has a basic and easily grasped comprehension of something. For example: "After the presentation, I had "a plain understanding" of the project goals".

What are some alternatives to "a plain understanding"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a clear grasp", "simple comprehension", or "basic knowledge", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a simple understanding" or "a plain understanding"?

Both "a simple understanding" and "a plain understanding" are correct, but "plain" emphasizes straightforwardness, while "simple" emphasizes a lack of complexity. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to have "a plain understanding" of something?

Having "a plain understanding" means you have a straightforward, uncomplicated grasp of a topic or situation. It implies that the information is easily accessible and doesn't require deep analysis or expertise to comprehend.