it seems plain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems plain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appears to be obvious or clear based on the information available. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it seems plain that the decision was made in haste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

It seems plain that leaving the task to the public sector has not worked.

The Economist

In some, though, it seems plain that she would have voted differently from him.

The New York Times

It seems plain enough that Iran, under a reformist president, Hassan Rouhani, wants a deal over its nuclear programme.

The Economist

With the recent terror attacks in Turkey, Egypt and Paris, it seems plain that they have at least three objectives.

Independent

It seems plain that his indebtedness to her must only increase with each new allegation of sexual impropriety.

The New Yorker

But it seems plain that Mr. Bo's rivals within the elite are trying to make the most of his travails.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

By its conclusion, it seemed plain that the court would extend a 2008 decision that first identified an individual right to own guns to strike down Chicago's gun control law, widely considered the most restrictive in the nation.

The New York Times

It seemed plain which was the more reasonable choice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ismail's farewell video, it seemed plain, had been lengthened and re-edited into a recruiting advertisement.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it seemed plain when the case was argued in April that he was satisfied that Texas had standing, paving the way for a deadlock.

The New York Times

Many Barcelona players lost their heads and their fouling was no longer aimed solely at snuffing out attacks – much of it seemed plain malicious.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems plain" to introduce a statement that is self-evident or requires little further explanation. This can help to streamline your writing and avoid unnecessary detail.

Common error

While "it seems plain" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and vocabulary by using alternatives like "it is evident", "obviously", or "clearly" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems plain" functions as an introductory phrase, primarily used to preface a statement that the speaker or writer believes is easily understood or self-evident. Ludwig examples confirm this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seems plain" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce an idea or conclusion that is considered self-evident or easily understood. Ludwig's analysis of various sources shows that its frequency is uncommon, and it is often found in news, encyclopedias, and sometimes scientific writing. The phrase functions to signal clarity or obviousness to the reader. Although "it seems plain" is generally acceptable, varying your writing with alternatives is recommended to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is clearly evident

Emphasizes the clarity and obviousness of something, using stronger terms than "it seems plain".

it is readily apparent

Highlights how easily something can be seen or understood. More formal than the original phrase.

it's obviously the case

Uses "obviously" to stress the lack of doubt, conveying a slightly more informal tone.

the evidence suggests clearly

Focuses on the evidence leading to an unambiguous conclusion, adding a layer of formality.

it's a straightforward matter

Indicates simplicity and lack of complication, differing slightly by addressing the nature of the subject itself.

it's an open and shut case

Implies a decisive and conclusive resolution or understanding, often in legal contexts.

it's easy to see that

Focuses on the ease of understanding something. Simple and direct.

it's transparently obvious

Adds emphasis by using "transparently", stressing that the truth or fact is easy to perceive.

it's beyond question that

Indicates that something is not open to debate or doubt, implying strong certainty.

it can be plainly seen

Emphasizes visual evidence or clarity in perception.

FAQs

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

Use "it seems plain" to introduce an idea or conclusion that is easily understood or evident based on the information presented. For example, "After reviewing the data, "it seems plain" that sales have declined."

What can I say instead of "it seems plain"?

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

Is "it seems plain" formal or informal?

"It seems plain" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, more formal alternatives like "it is evident" might be preferred in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "it seems plain" and "it is obvious"?

While both phrases convey a sense of clarity, ""it seems plain"" implies a conclusion based on observation or evidence, whereas "it is obvious" suggests something is immediately apparent without needing further investigation.