as plain as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as plain as" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used in the idiom "as plain as day," and means "completely obvious." For example, you might say, "The answer was as plain as day - I should have seen it right away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It's as plain as day.

The New York Times

"It is just as plain as day.

The Guardian

The choice is as plain as black and white.

The New York Times

"I'm as plain as a loaf of bread".

The New York Times - Books

It was as plain as day," Keith Richards once said.

The Guardian - Music

About as plain as I can make it.

The New York Times

But bingo is as plain as it gets.

The New York Times - Arts

It's as plain as the nose on his face.

The New York Times

The answer was as plain as day – more yew was required.

Independent

The child was as plain as pap, but the mother's face was full of wonder.

The New Yorker

But his feelings in the moment were as plain as his face: Here comes the ball!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider varying the comparison used with "as plain as" to maintain reader engagement. Instead of always using "as plain as day", try "as plain as the nose on your face" or another vivid comparison.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "as plain as" in overly formal or sophisticated contexts where it might sound too simplistic. Opt for more nuanced language to maintain a consistent tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as plain as" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by emphasizing its obviousness or clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as plain as" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize the clarity and obviousness of something. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is widely used, particularly in News & Media, and considered appropriate for neutral contexts. While there are numerous alternatives, such as "perfectly clear" and "readily apparent", it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing the most suitable expression. Remember to avoid overusing clichéd comparisons and ensure the language aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear as day

This alternative, synonymous, reinforces the idea of something being unmistakably obvious.

unmistakably clear

Emphasizes the absence of any doubt or confusion.

crystal clear

Emphasizes the purity and transparency of understanding.

perfectly clear

This alternative emphasizes the lack of ambiguity, focusing on the clarity of understanding.

blindingly obvious

Highlights how strikingly evident something is, to the point of being unavoidable.

patently obvious

This alternative underscores the undeniable and blatant nature of something.

readily apparent

Highlights the ease with which something can be noticed or understood.

easily understood

Focuses on the simplicity and accessibility of comprehension.

unambiguous

This emphasizes the singular, clear interpretation possible.

self-evident

Highlights the intrinsic clarity and obviousness of a statement or fact.

FAQs

What does "as plain as day" mean?

The idiom "as plain as day" means something is very obvious or easy to understand. It's a common expression used to emphasize the clarity of a situation or fact.

What can I say instead of "as plain as"?

You can use alternatives like "perfectly clear", "readily apparent", or "easily understood" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "as plain as" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as plain as" might sound too informal in certain professional or academic contexts. Consider more sophisticated language for formal writing.

How do I use "as plain as" in a sentence?

You can use "as plain as" to describe something that is very clear and obvious. For example: "The solution to the problem was "clear as day" to everyone involved."