be plain with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be plain with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to be straightforward or clear in their communication. Example: "Please be plain with your feedback so I can understand what needs to be improved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Pizza or pumpernickel doughs are often used now, and the traditional crust that should be plain, with a golden, shiny finish, may be pockmarked with poppy or sesame seeds, garlic or onions, while the correctly neutral, cool interior is adulterated with cinnamon and raisins, nuts and berries.

The New York Times

Be plain with your communication.

WikiHow

Don't be Plain with it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Trading Spaces" couldn't be plainer, with its home-movie production values and over-eager participants.

The New York Times - Arts

It's plain, with wooden furniture and dusty flowered curtains, but after ten nights in tents it feels lavish.

The New Yorker

In time the ornament was restricted; and later Roman plate is plain with narrow border friezes, small central medallions, and handles embossed in low relief.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sweetness of erythritol is plain with very weak after-taste.

AMB Express

Three quarters of the study area are plain with a gentle slope and occupy the southwestern parts.

Applied Water Science

The lower values of texture ratio indicate that the basin is plain with lower degree of slopes.

Applied Water Science

Some of the coupons are plain with just a colored background, others use photos, and others are designed with clip art-like decorations instead.

TechCrunch

Previously these were mostly built with brick, and were plain, with the grander tending towards Greek architecture.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be plain with", ensure that your intent is to offer clarity and avoid ambiguity. This is especially useful when delivering feedback or instructions.

Common error

Avoid using "be plain with" as an excuse for being unnecessarily harsh or insensitive. Clarity should not come at the expense of respect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be plain with" functions as an imperative, urging someone to adopt a clear and direct communication style. It encourages the speaker to avoid ambiguity and express themselves in a straightforward manner. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be plain with" is an idiomatic expression that means to communicate directly and clearly, avoiding ambiguity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, it finds its primary usage in informal contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to balance directness with politeness to avoid being perceived as rude. Alternative phrases such as "be straightforward with" or "be direct with" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be straightforward with

Emphasizes directness and honesty in communication, similar to being plain but perhaps slightly more formal.

be direct with

Highlights the act of communicating without hesitation or ambiguity.

be clear with

Emphasizes the clarity and understandability of the communication.

speak plainly with

Directly relates to using simple and easily understandable language.

be frank with

Implies a level of honesty that might involve sharing uncomfortable truths.

be candid with

Suggests openness and sincerity in one's communication.

be upfront with

Focuses on being honest and clear from the beginning.

be explicit with

Stresses the act of leaving no room for interpretation or misunderstanding.

mince no words with

Indicates a refusal to soften or sugarcoat the message.

pull no punches with

Suggests communicating forcefully and without holding back.

FAQs

What does it mean to "be plain with" someone?

To "be plain with" someone means to be direct, clear, and straightforward in your communication, avoiding ambiguity or vagueness.

When is it appropriate to tell someone to "be plain with" you?

It's appropriate to ask someone to "be plain with" you when you need them to communicate clearly and directly, especially when complex or sensitive information is involved.

What can I say instead of "be plain with"?

You can use alternatives like "be direct with", "be straightforward with", or "be clear with" depending on the context.

Is "be plain with" the same as "be honest with"?

While both phrases involve truthfulness, "be honest with" emphasizes sincerity and moral integrity, whereas "be plain with" focuses on clarity and directness in how something is communicated.