it was plain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was plain" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an expression of understanding or recognition. For example, you could say: "When he opened the door, it was plain that he had been crying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

(Booker, it was plain, would rather have been New Jersey's governor than its junior senator).

The New Yorker

It was plain discrimination".

The New York Times

It was plain weird.

The Guardian - Music

It was plain "insulting".

The New Yorker

After that, it was plain sailing.

The New York Times

It was plain killing fields.

The New York Times

Indeed, it was plain to see.

The Guardian

"It was plain and simply rude.

The New York Times

Much of it was plain bad.

The New York Times - Food

I thought it was plain wrong.

The New Yorker

"It was plain wrong," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was plain" to introduce a statement of fact or an easily understandable conclusion, ensuring the context makes the clarity obvious to the reader. It adds a tone of straightforwardness.

Common error

While acceptable, "it was plain" can sometimes sound too informal or simplistic in highly formal writing. Consider using alternatives like "it was evident" or "it was apparent" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was plain" functions as an introductory phrase or clause that sets the stage for a statement of fact or an obvious conclusion. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and is usable in written English as an expression of understanding or recognition. It highlights that something is easily understood or apparent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"It was plain" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something is easily understood or obvious. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a straightforward expression of understanding, frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives in professional or scientific writing. By understanding its nuances, writers can effectively use "it was plain" to convey clarity and certainty in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was obvious

Emphasizes the easiness to see or understand something.

it was evident

Highlights that something is clearly revealed or apparent.

it was clear

Focuses on the lack of ambiguity or confusion.

it was apparent

Stresses the visibility or perceptibility of something.

it was manifest

Suggests that something is undeniably and obviously present.

it was straightforward

Indicates the directness and simplicity of something.

it was discernible

Highlights that something could be recognized or perceived, even if not immediately.

it was palpable

Emphasizes a feeling or atmosphere that is so intense as to seem almost tangible.

it was an open secret

Highlights that something is known by many people, although not officially acknowledged.

it was no secret

Indicates that something was widely known and not hidden.

FAQs

What does "it was plain" mean?

"It was plain" means that something was easily seen, heard, or understood. It suggests a lack of ambiguity or complexity.

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

You can use "it was plain" to introduce an obvious fact or conclusion. For example, "After the storm, "it was plain" that the garden was ruined."

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

You can use alternatives like "it was obvious", "it was clear", or "it was evident" to convey a similar meaning.

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

While both phrases convey a sense of clarity, "it was plain to see" emphasizes the visual aspect of understanding, while "it was plain" is more general. For example, "It was plain to see that she was upset" focuses on visual cues, whereas ""it was plain" that she wasn't telling the truth" implies a more general understanding.