it is plain

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is plain" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that is easily seen or understood, for example: "It is plain to see that the house needs to be repainted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But look at the numbers, and it is plain the euro zone has mishandled its response.

The Economist

It is plain gray in color, without prominent markings on its fins.

Wikipedia

It is plain wrong.

Independent

It is plain terrible.

The Guardian - Opinion

But in some places it is plain.

The Economist

It is plain and strong and monochrome.

The New Yorker

It is plain what that means.

The Economist

It is plain and simple extortion.

The Economist

But no, it is plain.

The Guardian - Sport

But it is plain where they stand.

The Economist

It is plain to see why.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is plain" to introduce a statement or observation that you want to emphasize as being easily understood or readily apparent. It's effective when you want to create a sense of shared understanding with your audience.

Common error

Avoid overusing "it is plain" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes sound too simplistic. Consider using more sophisticated phrasing, such as "it is evident" or "it is apparent", to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is plain" functions as an introductory expression to assert something as obvious or easily understood. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase prefaces a statement of fact or conclusion, indicating its role in emphasizing clarity and directness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is plain" is a common phrase used to indicate that something is obvious or easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to emphasize clarity and shared understanding. While versatile, overuse in formal writing should be avoided. Alternatives like "it is clear" or "it is obvious" can provide nuanced options depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is clear

Replaces "plain" with "clear", emphasizing ease of understanding.

it is obvious

Substitutes "plain" with "obvious", highlighting the readily apparent nature of something.

it is evident

Uses "evident" instead of "plain", suggesting that something is easily perceived.

it is apparent

Replaces "plain" with "apparent", indicating that something is readily visible or understood.

it is manifest

Substitutes "plain" with "manifest", implying that something is unmistakably revealed.

it is patent

Uses "patent" instead of "plain", suggesting something is openly and obviously true.

it is transparent

Replaces "plain" with "transparent", emphasizing the lack of hidden meaning or ambiguity.

it is self-evident

Substitutes "plain" with "self-evident", highlighting that something is obvious without needing proof.

it is beyond doubt

Replaces "plain" with "beyond doubt", conveying a sense of certainty and clarity.

it is easy to see

Emphasizes the ease of understanding by stating it directly.

FAQs

What does "it is plain" mean?

The phrase "it is plain" means that something is easily seen, understood, or recognized. It indicates a lack of complexity or obscurity.

How can I use "it is plain" in a sentence?

You can use "it is plain" to introduce an obvious or easily understood statement. For example, "It is plain that the administration's reassurance to Americans is false."

What are some alternatives to "it is plain"?

Alternatives include "it is clear", "it is obvious", and "it is evident". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is plain to see" different from "it is plain"?

"It is plain to see" emphasizes the visual aspect of understanding, while "it is plain" is a more general statement about ease of comprehension. The former is used when something is visually apparent; the latter when something is easily understood regardless of visual cues.