in plain sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in plain sight" is perfectly acceptable in written English.
It can be used to describe any situation in which something is visible to everyone, but is being ignored or overlooked. For example, "The solution to the problem was in plain sight, but no one seemed to notice it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

|  "Hidden in Plain Sight".

The New Yorker

Here and in plain sight.

The New York Times

Hiding in Plain Sight?

The New York Times

ARCHIVE: "Hidden in plain sight".

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Our frayed edges flap in plain sight.

The New York Times

The answer is hiding in plain sight.

The New York Times

Sometimes Firestone hid in plain sight.

The New Yorker

Today, the Wiggle hides in plain sight.

The New York Times

We are hiding in plain sight.

The New Yorker

It was hidden in plain sight".

The Guardian

He was hiding in plain sight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in plain sight" to emphasize that something is not hidden, but may be overlooked due to its obviousness or familiarity.

Common error

While "in plain sight" is useful, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your language by using synonyms like "clearly visible" or "out in the open" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in plain sight" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause to indicate where something is located or how something is done, emphasizing its obvious visibility. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in various contexts, indicating accessibility and visibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in plain sight" is a versatile and commonly used expression that highlights the irony of something being easily visible yet overlooked. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic writing. While simple, "in plain sight" effectively conveys a sense of paradox and emphasis. To maintain writing quality, remember to use the phrase deliberately and avoid overusing it, opting for synonyms like "clearly visible" or "out in the open" when appropriate. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources underscores its validity and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In full view

Highlights that something is completely exposed and visible.

Out in the open

Stresses the lack of concealment.

Clearly visible

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be seen.

Blatantly obvious

Highlights that something is impossible to miss.

Easily noticeable

Focuses on the ease with which something can be detected.

Openly displayed

Focuses on the fact that something is not hidden.

Plainly evident

Emphasizes the straightforward nature of the evidence.

Readily apparent

Highlights the ease with which something can be understood or noticed.

Undeniably visible

Highlights the indisputable nature of something's visibility.

Conspicuously present

Indicates that something is very noticeable.

FAQs

How can I use "in plain sight" in a sentence?

The phrase "in plain sight" is used to indicate that something is easily visible or obvious, yet may still be overlooked. For example, "The keys were "in plain sight" on the table, but I didn't see them".

What does "hiding in plain sight" mean?

The expression "hiding in plain sight" means that something or someone is concealed by being openly present and visible. It implies that their obviousness makes them less likely to be noticed or suspected. It's similar to saying something is "out in the open".

What are some alternatives to saying something is "in plain sight"?

You can use alternatives like "clearly visible", "openly displayed", or "readily apparent" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "in plain sight"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "in plain sight" is a common idiom used to describe something that is easily visible but might be overlooked. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English.