Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
bare text
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'bare text' is not a usable phrase in written English.
If you want to refer to plain or simple text, you can use the phrase "clear text", for example: "This email contains only clear text, no formatting or pictures".
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
The bare text itself is certainly beautiful to behold, especially when you see what it looked like just before it came into being as a book.
News & Media
People read Proust for all kinds of reasons and on many different levels, he said — for its treatment of Jewishness, homosexuality, children — but he advises his students to read the "bare text," and to read "naïvely".
News & Media
People read Proust for all kinds of reasons and on many different levels, he said for its treatment of Jewishness, homosexuality, children but he advises his students to read the "bare text," and to read "naïvely".
News & Media
He assured his worried father, who preferred him to study with the Scotists, that the bare text of the Fabrists, "without commentary" (nihil comentarii), would profit him in examinations (Hartmann 1942: 146; Renaudet 1953: 404 406).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
At first glance, a wiki looks like a bare-bones Web page, with simple text and no fancy graphics.
News & Media
The history of the bare consonantal text stretches back into hoary antiquity and can be only partially traced.
Encyclopedias
Classrooms are bare and text books are basic, minimal, "not that appealing" to look at, admits McMullen, but of exceptionally high quality and thoroughly researched.
News & Media
But there is a slight agenda to his reluctance to impart anything but a bare-bones text.
News & Media
The murals are remarkable and amusing: luminous dancers, market sellers, paraders, penitents, cowboys, sheepherders, all with the barest of accompanying text — this is naked, unmediated art.
News & Media
One popular tool, Readability, strips articles to the bare minimum of text and photographs with a single click.
News & Media
Digital photography (Olympus E-500 camera) was used after checking the relatively low repeatability of different spectrometers, probably due to the heterogeneous surface of partridge bare parts (see Text S1).
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When aiming for clarity, specify what aspect of the text you're highlighting—whether it's the lack of formatting, the simplicity of content, or the absence of embellishments. Alternatives such as "plain text" or "unformatted text" might be more precise.
Common error
Avoid using "bare text" when a more specific term like "plain text" or "unformatted text" would better convey your intended meaning, ensuring your message is clearly understood.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "bare text" functions as a noun phrase, where "bare" acts as an adjective modifying "text". However, Ludwig AI indicates that it's not a standard phrase in English, with alternatives like "plain text" being more common and accepted.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
30%
Encyclopedias
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Wiki
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "bare text" aims to describe text in its simplest form, Ludwig AI suggests it's not a standard or preferred phrase in English. Its grammatical status is questionable, and it's more effective to use alternatives like "plain text", "unformatted text", or "raw text" to convey the intended meaning clearly. These alternatives are more commonly accepted and understood across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. Using more precise language enhances clarity and avoids potential misinterpretations.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
plain text
Focuses on the simplicity and lack of formatting in the text.
unformatted text
Highlights the absence of styling or specific layouts applied to the text.
raw text
Emphasizes the unprocessed, original state of the text.
basic text
Suggests a fundamental or rudimentary form of text, stripped of complexities.
simple text
Indicates an easy-to-understand and uncomplicated textual content.
clear text
Stresses the readability and absence of ambiguity in the text.
unadorned text
Highlights the lack of decorative elements or embellishments in the text.
pure text
Focuses on the text being unmixed with images or other media.
minimal text
Indicates a small amount of text, reduced to the essentials.
essential text
Focuses on the text that is absolutely necessary or core to understanding.
FAQs
What does "bare text" mean?
The phrase "bare text" is generally used to describe text in its simplest form, often without formatting or additional elements. However, it's not a commonly used phrase, and alternatives like "plain text" or "unformatted text" are typically preferred.
Is "bare text" grammatically correct?
While the phrase "bare text" appears in some contexts, it is not considered standard English. It's advisable to use clearer and more widely accepted alternatives like "simple text" or "raw text".
What are some alternatives to "bare text"?
Depending on the context, you can use "plain text", "unformatted text", "raw text", or "basic text" as alternatives to "bare text". Each option emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the text's simplicity.
When should I use "bare text"?
Given that "bare text" is not a standard phrase, it's generally best to avoid it. Instead, opt for more common and easily understood phrases like "clear text" or "minimal text" to ensure your meaning is clear.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested