it is plain to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is plain to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is obvious or clear to someone. Example: "It is plain to see that the project needs more funding to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It is plain to see why.

The Guardian - Sport

But it is plain to party managers that Mr Blair has a revolt on his hands.

The Economist

(And why not, when it is plain to see that one really is fleeing).

The New Yorker

Matlock, it is plain to see, keeps the group going – the motivator and the grounding force.

The Guardian - Music

It is plain to see that our society as a whole has a problem.

The Guardian - Books

It is plain to see for everybody where the inventiveness of these bonus-maximisers has led us.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"It's plain to see.

Independent

Indeed, it was plain to see.

The Guardian

And it's plain to see.

The New York Times

It was plain to see, really.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's plain to see there's a ton of slack in the economy," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is plain to", ensure that the statement following it is indeed straightforward and requires little explanation. Overusing the phrase for complex or debatable topics can undermine its effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "it is plain to" when introducing complex or nuanced arguments. This phrase is most effective when stating something self-evident. Using it to preface a controversial point can make your argument appear dismissive or condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is plain to" functions as an introductory expression used to emphasize that what follows is obvious or easily understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates clarity and a lack of ambiguity. The phrase sets the stage for a statement that is expected to be readily apparent to the audience.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is plain to" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to introduce a statement that is easily understood or obvious. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase accurately conveys clarity and directness. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it lends a neutral tone to writing. While effective for emphasizing straightforward points, avoid overusing it in complex arguments. Consider alternatives like "it is obvious to" or "it is clear to" for nuanced expression. Understanding its optimal usage ensures more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is obvious to

Replaces "plain" with "obvious", emphasizing the lack of subtlety.

it is clear to

Substitutes "plain" with "clear", highlighting the ease of understanding.

it is evident to

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

it is apparent to

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

it is manifest to

Uses "manifest" instead of "plain", indicating that something is clearly revealed or displayed.

it is patent to

Substitutes "plain" with "patent", suggesting that something is openly and obviously true.

anyone can see that

Shifts the focus to the general perceivability of something.

it's easy to see that

Replaces "plain" with "easy", emphasizing the lack of difficulty in understanding.

it's not hard to see that

Uses a double negative to emphasize the obviousness of something.

it's obvious for

A more informal contraction and variation in word order.

FAQs

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

Use "it is plain to" to introduce an observation or conclusion that is easily understood or evident. For example, "it is plain to see that the company's profits have increased this quarter".

What phrases are similar to "it is plain to"?

Synonymous phrases include "it is obvious to", "it is clear to", and "it is evident to". These alternatives also emphasize the clarity or obviousness of a statement.

Is it better to say "it is plain to see" or "it is clear to see"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "it is clear to see" is generally more common in modern English. "it is plain to see" might be considered slightly more formal or old-fashioned, though still perfectly valid.

What does "it is plain to" imply about the statement that follows?

"It is plain to" implies that the subsequent statement is easily understood, self-evident, or widely accepted. It suggests there should be little doubt or disagreement regarding the truth or validity of the statement.