is plainly different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is plainly different" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a clear distinction or difference between two or more things. Example: "The two proposals are not just different; one is plainly different from the other in terms of approach and execution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There's no doubt that each piece is plainly different; but it's as if Mr. Battle were using several different ways and several different scores to say the same thing.

The New York Times - Arts

Under the former notion, the scaffolding is plainly different.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Things are plainly different this time.

The Economist

Carter was plainly different.

Vice

Birss dismissed that gambit from Samsung's attorneys, however, finding that "[t]he design constraints applicable to an Etch-A-Sketch are plainly different from those applicable to a tablet computer".

Huffington Post

With philosophy, however, it is plainly a different story.

The New York Times

"Stupor is plainly a different thing from tremor; it signifies blank wonder, an astonishment that strikes us dumb, amazement absolute" (p. 26).

SEP

The attack by Harris and Klebold is plainly a crime of a different order from the suicide of a single child, tricked to his death by false friends... Writer cautions against interpreting the Colorado incident as the expression of a new era of teen-age identity politics.

The New Yorker

The attack carried out by Harris and Klebold — members of the so-called Trench Coat Mafia, who were taunted by jocks and were hungry for revenge, and who dreamed, we now know, of ending as many lives as possible along with their own — is plainly a crime of a different order from the suicide of a single child, tricked to his death by false friends.

The New Yorker

If the garden hose is plainly marked $39, how does the store charge shoppers different prices?

Forbes

He is plainly clever.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is plainly different" to create emphasis when you want to highlight an obvious and easily perceived difference between two or more things.

Common error

Avoid using "plainly" excessively in your writing. While it can add emphasis, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or condescending. Opt for synonyms like "clearly" or "obviously" to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is plainly different" functions as a copular verb phrase, linking a subject to a predicate adjective phrase expressing a clear distinction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66.66%

Science

33.33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is plainly different" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, primarily used to highlight clear and easily observable distinctions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While the phrase isn't extremely common, it appears in reputable sources like the New York Times and The Economist. For alternatives, you might consider "is clearly distinct" or "is obviously dissimilar" to achieve a similar effect. When using "plainly", remember that overuse can diminish its impact, so vary your language with synonyms when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is clearly distinct

Emphasizes the clarity of the distinction, focusing on ease of perception.

is obviously dissimilar

Highlights the obvious nature of the lack of similarity, stressing the ease of recognition.

is markedly different

Indicates a noticeable difference, focusing on the degree of divergence.

is patently different

Stresses the undeniable and obvious nature of the difference.

is visibly different

Emphasizes that the difference can be seen or observed easily.

is noticeably different

Highlights that the difference is easily noticed.

is significantly different

Focuses on the importance and magnitude of the difference.

differs substantially

Emphasizes the degree of difference, suggesting a considerable divergence.

is entirely different

Highlights a complete divergence, indicating no overlap or similarity.

is quite unlike

Stresses the lack of resemblance, focusing on the absence of similar qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "is plainly different" in a sentence?

You can use "is plainly different" to emphasize a clear distinction between two things. For example, "The approach taken by the two companies "is plainly different", with one focusing on innovation and the other on cost reduction."

What are some alternatives to "is plainly different"?

Some alternatives include "is clearly distinct", "is obviously dissimilar", or "is markedly different". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is plainly different" or "is clearly different"?

Both "is plainly different" and "is clearly different" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired tone. "Plainly" may suggest a more obvious or self-evident difference.

What does "is plainly different" mean?

The phrase "is plainly different" means that there's an obvious and easily perceivable difference between two or more things. It suggests that the difference is not subtle or nuanced, but rather straightforward and evident.