but as plain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but as plain" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a contrast or simplicity, but it lacks context to determine its proper usage. Example: "I prefer my explanations straightforward, but as plain as they may be, they are effective."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Here, too, Romney is presented not as a cipher but as plain and clear — an exemplar: Mitt and I also go to different churches, but in any church, the best kind of preaching is done by example, and I've been watching that example.

The New Yorker

They are now welcome to return, not as prodigal sons but as plain tourists.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The links still show up in the messages but just as plain text.

Independent

But bingo is as plain as it gets.

The New York Times - Arts

When the British abolished the brigade, they discontinued the rank of brigadier general but revived it as plain brigadier in 1928.

Britannica

Each painting plays, in a straightforward way, with ideas that the artist, now 83, has been exploring for more than 60 years: the interrelationship, even interchangeability, of painting with sculpture; the creation of fictional objects in real space; the way abstraction can be its own kind of naturalism, intellectually demanding but utterly unesoteric, as plain and packed as a book.

The New York Times

Chris Voigt's reason for eating potatoes, potatoes and nothing but potatoes is as plain and simple as his diet has been for the past two months.

BBC

Some saw his techniques as silly, but the results were as plain as the 4,500-pound 4,500-pound he brougreato the piers in the summer of '64.

The New York Times

His classmates treat him like one of their number, perhaps as a foreign exchange student, but his difference is as plain as the fur on his face.

The New York Times

It's certainly in Augustine, on whom he undoubtedly depended, but it is also as plain as a pikestaff in (say) Anselm of Canterbury, and Thomas Aquinas.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that was just as plain before Mr Sharon ordered his tanks and bulldozers into Ramallah on September 19th, after a gruesome bus-bombing, claimed by Hamas, in the heart of Tel Aviv.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clearer communication, replace the phrase "but as plain" with alternatives like "but simply", "but clearly", or "but evidently" to ensure grammatical accuracy and enhance readability. These substitutions maintain the intended meaning while adhering to standard English usage.

Common error

Avoid using "but as plain" in complex sentences where clarity and grammatical correctness are essential. This phrase can often lead to confusion. Always opt for more precise and commonly accepted alternatives to ensure your writing is easily understood and grammatically sound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but as plain" functions as a conjunction phrase, attempting to introduce a contrast while emphasizing simplicity or obviousness. However, Ludwig AI indicates this phrasing is grammatically incorrect and not standard English usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but as plain" is an uncommon and grammatically questionable construction. Ludwig AI analysis suggests it is not standard English and should be avoided in formal writing. While it appears in various contexts, including news and media, its usage is infrequent and can be confusing. For clearer and more effective communication, consider using alternative phrases such as "but simply" or "but clearly" to convey the intended meaning of contrast and simplicity. Remember that clarity and grammatical correctness are essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but simply

Focuses on directness, omitting 'as plain'.

but clearly

Emphasizes clarity, changing the descriptive word.

but evidently

Highlights obviousness, replacing 'plain' with 'evident'.

but just as clearly

Adds emphasis on the clarity being equal.

but equally obvious

Replaces 'plain' with 'obvious' to show equivalence.

however obviously

Replaces the conjunction 'but' with 'however' and uses 'obviously' instead of 'as plain'.

yet plainly

Replaces 'but as' with 'yet', maintaining a sense of straightforwardness.

though straightforwardly

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb indicating directness.

albeit straightforward

Uses 'albeit' to introduce a contrast, with 'straightforward' replacing 'as plain'.

notwithstanding its clarity

Expresses a contrast despite the clarity, using a more formal tone.

FAQs

What does "but as plain" mean?

The phrase "but as plain" is not a standard or widely recognized idiom in English. It's likely intended to convey simplicity or obviousness, but it's grammatically awkward. Better alternatives include "but simply" or "but clearly".

How can I rephrase a sentence that uses "but as plain"?

To rephrase a sentence containing "but as plain", consider the intended meaning. If you mean something is simple despite a contrast, use "but simply". If you mean it's obvious despite a contrast, use "but clearly" or "but evidently".

Is "but as plain" grammatically correct?

No, "but as plain" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It's an unusual phrasing that doesn't conform to typical English syntax. Using clearer and more conventional alternatives will improve your writing.

What are some alternatives to "but as plain" in formal writing?

In formal writing, avoid "but as plain" and instead use phrases like "but clearly", "but obviously", or "yet plainly". These options provide greater clarity and are more appropriate for professional or academic contexts.