back to plain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back to plain" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion without context.
It could be used in contexts where one is referring to returning to a simpler or more straightforward state or style. Example: "After experimenting with various designs, I decided to go back to plain for the final version of the project."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Back to plain old rehab?

The New York Times

So let's get back to plain old management.

Harvard Business Review

Once you've tried these, you'll never go back to plain hard-boiled eggs again!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a slight perceptual shift (all you have to do is unfocus your eyes) but risky, because there's no going back to plain toast after Jesus.

The New York Times - Magazine

While supporters of the trading ban urge banks to get back to "plain vanilla" lending, the banks say that trading can in fact be a less risky activity.

The New York Times

It was November 1964, and he somehow had managed to make his way back to Plain Dealing, La., without running off the road and finding a ditch.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

They should go back to some plain facts.

The Guardian - Opinion

And welfare-to-work goes back to being plain old welfare.

The New York Times

And "welfare to work" goes back to being plain old welfare.

The New Yorker

"We just have to get back to football, plain and simple".

The Guardian - Sport

"They just send you your welfare check, and 'welfare to work' goes back to being plain old welfare".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "back to plain" when you want to emphasize a return to a more straightforward or unadorned state after a period of complexity or embellishment.

Common error

Avoid using "back to plain" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "return to simplicity" or "revert to fundamentals" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back to plain" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating a return to a simpler state. As Ludwig suggests, this commonly describes a shift from complexity or embellishment towards something more basic or straightforward.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "back to plain" is a prepositional phrase suggesting a return to simplicity. While Ludwig identifies it as having acceptable grammar, it's important to consider the context. Its use is most appropriate in neutral to informal settings. As noted by Ludwig, alternatives like "return to basics" or "revert to original" may be more suitable in formal writing. This phrase is most frequently found in news and media, and wiki sources, indicating it is a common way to describe a return to a more straightforward or unadorned state. Keep in mind that while grammatically sound, choosing more sophisticated synonyms can enhance the formality and clarity of your writing in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

return to basics

Focuses on reverting to fundamental principles or methods.

revert to simple

Highlights a return to a state of simplicity, lacking complexity.

go back to basics

Emphasizes a return to the essential or fundamental aspects.

return to simplicity

Stresses a renewed focus on uncomplicated methods or designs.

revert to original

Highlights returning to the initial or unaltered form of something.

fall back on basic

Implies relying on a fundamental or elementary approach as a fallback.

go back to the source

Focuses on returning to the origin to achieve a better understanding

retreat to simple

Highlights a strategic withdrawal to a less complex mode or manner.

return to square one

Indicates going back to the very beginning due to failure or lack of progress.

revert to default

Implies a return to a standard or pre-configured setting.

FAQs

What does "back to plain" mean?

The phrase "back to plain" suggests a return to a simpler, less complicated, or less adorned state. It implies a move away from complexity or embellishment.

How can I use "back to plain" in a sentence?

You might say, "After trying various extravagant designs, we decided to go "return to basics" and keep the website design "back to plain".

What can I say instead of "back to plain"?

Consider alternatives such as "return to simplicity", "revert to original", or "go back to basics" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "back to plain" suitable for formal writing?

While acceptable in informal contexts, "back to plain" may sound too casual for formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "revert to simple" or "return to fundamentals" to maintain a professional tone.