but plainly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but plainly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is being stated in a clear and straightforward manner, often to emphasize simplicity or directness. Example: "The instructions were confusing, but plainly, we need to complete the project by Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But, plainly, she adored him.

The New Yorker

Maybe not, but plainly the internet disagrees.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But plainly it must look to its laurels.

The Economist

But plainly he is not as safe as he was.

The Economist

London's ability to describe nature richly but plainly foreshadows Hemingway.

The New Yorker

But plainly she feels a need to supplement it.

The Economist

But, plainly, it is still some way off.

The Economist

But, plainly, it's a version of the truth.

The Guardian - Music

But plainly no such consequence would have followed if that course had been pursued.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

But Islam plainly is different.

The Economist

But this plainly isn't happening.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but plainly", make sure the statement following 'plainly' is indeed straightforward and easily verifiable, avoiding ambiguity or complex reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "but plainly" when the contrasting point is already abundantly clear. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound redundant or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but plainly" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, serving to introduce a contrasting statement while emphasizing its straightforward and obvious nature. As Ludwig AI explains, it signals a clear and direct divergence from the preceding point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

26%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but plainly" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a contrasting statement while emphasizing its clarity and obviousness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news articles and academic writing, making it appropriate for various formal and informal contexts. Alternatives such as "but clearly" or "but obviously" can be used to convey a similar meaning. When using "but plainly", it is important to ensure the contrasting point is indeed straightforward and avoid overusing the phrase in situations where the point is already obvious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but clearly

Emphasizes the clarity and obviousness of the contrasting point.

but obviously

Highlights that the contrasting point is easily perceived or understood.

but evidently

Suggests the contrasting point is apparent from the available evidence.

but simply

Indicates the contrasting point is straightforward and uncomplicated.

but directly

Highlights a frank or explicit contrast.

but in reality

Contrasts an expectation with what is actually the case.

but in fact

Emphasizes the truth of the contrasting point, often against a misconception.

however, clearly

A more formal alternative emphasizing clarity with a transitional element.

yet it's clear

Contrasts with what came before while affirming something is understood.

nonetheless, it's obvious

Combines a stronger concessive element with an assertion of obviousness.

FAQs

How can I use "but plainly" in a sentence?

The phrase "but plainly" is typically used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous one in a clear and straightforward manner. For example, "The instructions were confusing, but plainly, we need to complete the project by Friday."

What are some alternatives to "but plainly"?

You can use alternatives like "but clearly", "but obviously", or "but simply" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include "but" when using "plainly" to introduce a contrasting point?

While "plainly" can be used alone to indicate something is obvious, including "but" emphasizes the contrast with a previous statement, making the connection clearer. Omitting "but" might work in some contexts, but it can sometimes feel less direct.

What is the difference between "but plainly" and "however"?

"However" is a general transition word that introduces a contrast, while "but plainly" introduces a contrast that is also obvious or straightforward. "However" is more versatile, but "but plainly" adds a sense of clarity and directness to the contrast.