is plain to use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is plain to use" is not correct in standard written English.
A more appropriate expression would be "is easy to use." Example: "The new software is easy to use, making it accessible for all users."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

(You've got to love the part about the telegraph pole. Is there a crisis of telegraph-pole abuse in this city that we missed?) But the point is plain: To use an old phrase, post no bills.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were too plain to use as ornaments, too few to make a dress.

The New Yorker

However, when talking of such a giant of literature, it is plain wrong to use the phrase magnum opus to describe his work.

The Guardian - Books

It is plain stupid to use something that you can't change and that you leave everywhere every day as a security token".

Independent

IBM's calling the new type of memory "racetrack," which works, in so far as it can be plained to non-physicists, by using the spin of an atom.

TechCrunch

Well, it would be plain rude not to use the ladder.

Vice

The best vinegar to use is plain white distilled vinegar, which is inexpensive and effective.

WikiHow

Orwell thinks that the best way to fight back against the "cloudy vagueness" of the euphemisers is simply to use "plain speaking".

The Guardian - Books

If you have particularly oily skin, it is best to use plain water instead of olive oil.

WikiHow

It is difficult to explain how popular this show is, other than to use plain numbers: Empire's season-one finale garnered over 17 million viewers.

Vice

Image quality is off the chart, the range of lenses and bodies is great, and they're just plain fun to use.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing ease of use, prefer alternatives like "easy to use", "simple to use", or "straightforward to use" for better clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "plain" to describe ease of use. While "plain" can mean simple, it doesn't effectively convey user-friendliness. Instead, choose phrases like "easy to use" to clearly communicate the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is plain to use" attempts to describe the usability of something. However, it is not considered grammatically correct. Ludwig suggests using alternative phrases such as "is easy to use" or "is simple to use" for clarity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "is plain to use" aims to convey ease of use, it's not considered grammatically correct in standard English. Ludwig AI recommends opting for clearer and more conventional alternatives like "is easy to use" or "is simple to use". These options enhance clarity and ensure effective communication, avoiding potential misunderstandings. The analysis of its usage contexts reveals that while the intent is understandable, the grammatical inaccuracy impacts its overall effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is easy to use

Replaces "plain" with "easy", focusing on simplicity.

is simple to use

Substitutes "plain" with "simple", emphasizing uncomplicated use.

is straightforward to use

Emphasizes directness and lack of complications.

is user-friendly

Focuses on the user's experience and ease of interaction.

is intuitive to use

Highlights the ease of understanding and natural usability.

is clear to use

Emphasizes the clarity and comprehensibility of the process.

is uncomplicated to use

Replaces "plain" with "uncomplicated", stressing the lack of complexity.

is effortless to use

Focuses on the minimal effort required for usage.

is readily usable

Highlights the immediate and convenient usability.

is accessible

Emphasizes the availability and ease of access for all users.

FAQs

What's a better way to say "is plain to use"?

Instead of "is plain to use", consider using alternatives such as "is easy to use", "is simple to use", or "is straightforward to use" for improved clarity and grammatical accuracy.

Is "is plain to use" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "is plain to use" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "is easy to use" or "is simple to use".

When can I use the word "plain"?

The word "plain" can be used to describe something that is simple or basic in appearance or design, but it is not typically used to describe the ease of using something. For example, "plain paper" or "a plain dress".

What are some synonyms for "easy to use"?

Synonyms for "easy to use" include "user-friendly", "intuitive", and "straightforward". These alternatives emphasize the simplicity and accessibility of a product or system.