a plain word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a plain word" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a word that is simple, straightforward, or lacking in embellishment. Example: "In her speech, she chose to use a plain word to convey her message clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's not just a plain word.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But I was limited by not wanting to change any single sentence of a revised Plain Words into something I thought my great-grandfather could never have written.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nothing spiked so spectacularly in 2014 to make "exposure", first attested in 1606, feel particularly representative of the year.Merriam-Webster, a dictionary publisher, chose a similar path, choosing a plain old word to sum up 2014: "culture".

The Economist

What's more, she used plain words, calling a noun a "name" and an auxiliary verb a "helping verb".

The New York Times - Magazine

Inside the word processor, you can usually find a dictionary to check the spelling of each word or a thesaurus to replace plain words with more extravagant ones.

WikiHow

Because the Bush staff failed to press the doctors for an accurate assessment in plain words, Governor Bush was embarrassingly misinformed.

The New York Times

Michael Sheehan's conclusions, expressed in the plain words of a former soldier, will not win literary prizes or universal assent.

The Economist

Ask yourself this winter morning: If a once-young boy from Oceanside, now become a wry man, can speak these plain words for us, what says your voice today?

Huffington Post

In plain words, it's an up-yours to the cocky youth culture that often writes us off.

Huffington Post

After Arne Duncan, the Secretary of Education, then said in plain words that he was a supporter of gay marriage, there were reports of more dismay.

The New Yorker

As far as he was concerned, Zwingli was an "enthusiast" who did not take the plain words of Scripture seriously.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a plain word" when you want to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. It's particularly effective when communicating complex ideas to a broad audience.

Common error

Avoid substituting simple terms with overly complex or technical jargon when "a plain word" will suffice. Clarity is often more important than demonstrating extensive vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a plain word" functions as a descriptive term, modifying a noun. Ludwig confirms this by showing it used to describe the nature of language used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a plain word" describes language that is simple, direct, and easily understood. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness. Though relatively rare, its use is appropriate across various contexts, emphasizing clarity over complexity. Remember to choose simplicity when aiming for broad comprehension, and avoid substituting simple terms with unnecessary jargon. In essence, "a plain word" is a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a simple term

Focuses on the uncomplicated nature of the word.

an uncomplicated word

Stresses the lack of complexity.

a straightforward word

Focuses on the directness and clarity of the word.

a clear word

Emphasizes the ease of understanding.

an ordinary word

Highlights the commonness and lack of special characteristics.

a direct word

Highlights the lack of indirectness or ambiguity.

a common word

Indicates frequent usage and familiarity.

an unembellished word

Highlights the lack of ornamentation or fanciness.

a basic expression

Emphasizes the fundamental or rudimentary nature of the language.

a frank word

Emphasizes honesty and candor.

FAQs

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

You can use "a plain word" to describe a term that is simple and easily understood. For example, "The speaker used "a plain word" to ensure everyone understood the concept".

What are some alternatives to "a plain word"?

Alternatives include "a simple term", "an ordinary word", or "a basic expression". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a plain word"?

It's appropriate when clarity and simplicity are paramount, especially when communicating with a diverse audience or explaining complex topics. In other cases you can also use a "complex word".

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

While similar, "a plain word" emphasizes a lack of embellishment, whereas "a simple word" focuses on ease of understanding. The phrases are often interchangeable.