it has been plain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has been plain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has been obvious or clear over a period of time. Example: "In our discussions, it has been plain that we need to improve our communication strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The 50-over game, it has been plain to see, has been enriched by the tricks and gizmos of Twenty20.

Independent

Since then it has been plain that the techniques for making nuclear weapons would eventually be accessible to anyone in the world.

The New Yorker

But with her Celine handbag and Victoria Beckham shift dress, it has been plain to see that the VP's wardrobe is pure fantasy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Recently it has been plain that he can no longer depend so comfortably on the loyalty of the East Bankers, who still dominate the security forces and civil service.

The Economist

For decades, it has been plain that new houses are unimaginative, overpriced, undersized and resistant to the kind of technical improvement that is standard in industries such as car making.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It has been plain for some time, for example, that the tactical advantage that the United States enjoys in Afghanistan because of its superior air power may be more than offset by the deepening resentments that aerial attacks produce in the minds of helpless civilians below.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Indeed, and I think that even at the extreme of my own most emaciated state of physical deterioration that trust … even if I was not exactly radiating it, it must have been plain to see.

The New Yorker

It could have been plain arrogance, but then there had also been distress in her tone.

The New Yorker

But still, it should have been plain from the campaign's other recent signals that they had no intention of trying to pull a Bush (père or fils) and make the campaign a cultural fight.

The New York Times

"I thought I was doing enough to scrape by - but it should've been plain sailing.

BBC

"It must have been plain as the Opera House to Samsung that Apple's patents were right in front of its eyes and that they were wide open," said Apple's lead counsel Stephen Burley.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has been plain" to emphasize that something has been clear or obvious for a considerable period. This phrase works well when highlighting a gradual realization or a long-standing understanding.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it has been plain" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it's clear" or "it's obvious" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been plain" functions as a statement of fact, indicating that something has been evident or obvious over a period of time. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has been plain" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey that something has been obvious or clear over time. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its appropriateness, particularly in news and media contexts. While it leans toward a neutral or slightly formal register, it's important to consider simpler alternatives for very casual settings. Remember, context is king, and choosing the right phrase enhances your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has been obvious

Uses 'obvious' as a direct replacement for 'plain', maintaining the present perfect tense.

it was clear

Replaces 'plain' with 'clear', a direct synonym, making the phrase slightly more concise.

it has been evident

Replaces 'plain' with 'evident' while retaining the present perfect tense to emphasize continuous clarity.

it has been apparent

Substitutes 'plain' with 'apparent' and keeps the present perfect tense to indicate ongoing clarity.

it was evident

Substitutes 'plain' with 'evident', suggesting the clarity is based on evidence.

it was apparent

Uses 'apparent' to convey that something is easily perceived or understood.

it was obvious

Changes the tense and structure while maintaining the core meaning of something being clear.

it was manifest

Replaces 'plain' with 'manifest', implying the clarity is undeniable and openly displayed.

it must have been obvious

Introduces 'must have been' to suggest a logical conclusion about the obviousness of something.

it should have been clear

Adds 'should have been' to indicate an expectation of clarity that may not have been met.

FAQs

What does "it has been plain" mean?

The phrase "it has been plain" means that something has been obvious or clear for some time. It suggests that the information or situation should have been easily understood.

What can I say instead of "it has been plain"?

You can use alternatives like "it was obvious", "it was clear", or "it was evident" depending on the context.

Is "it has been plain" formal or informal?

"It has been plain" leans toward a more formal tone but is suitable for news articles, reports, and professional communications. In very casual settings, consider alternatives such as "it's obvious".

How to use "it has been plain" in a sentence?

You can use it to state that something should have been easily understood: "It has been plain that the company needed to adapt to the changing market conditions." or "Since the beginning, "it has been clear" that funding would be an issue."