it was plainly evident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was plainly evident" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was very clear or obvious to see or understand. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it was plainly evident that the defendant was not guilty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It was plainly evident even in the team's practice Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was plainly evident that he was suffering a terrible mental struggle," said Joe Choynski, his trainer and a former heavyweight from the bare-knuckle era.

The New York Times - Sports

When Holley Mangold, the personable American weightlifter, walked onstage at the ExCel Centre in London on Sunday afternoon, it was plainly evident that she was the largest of the fourteen women competing in the super-heavyweight category.

The New Yorker

Yet through the arrests, confessions and sentencings, it was plainly evident how such a horrifying event affected those closest to it -- Mr. Shepard's family, the killers' families, the killers themselves.

The New York Times

As explained then, it was plainly evident he had not acted with the level of professionalism expected of an MSU employee, particularly one holding an office that involves student and patient safety.

Huffington Post

When I covered the 2008 Democratic primary debate in Los Angeles, it was plainly evident that she was better able to support her claims with names and numbers than then-Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

[n17] In any event, I would apply the exclusionary [p264] rule when it is plainly evident that a magistrate or judge had no business issuing a warrant.

Cornell University

Worse, it is plainly evident that they could use Rodriguez's bat — more than ever — if it has any home runs left in it.

The New York Times - Sports

That was plainly evident in the recent operation in Arauca, which swept through the center of the province.

The New York Times

What was plainly evident to everyone else was that the only constant in the music business was inconstancy, the fickle nature of popular fads.

The New York Times

Emboldened no doubt by last season's Super Bowl run, the Giants are a newly confident team, something that was plainly evident.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "it was plainly evident" with a "that" clause explaining what was so obvious: "It was plainly evident that the team was unprepared."

Common error

Avoid using "very" or "clearly" with "it was plainly evident" as it already implies a high degree of clarity. Saying "it was very plainly evident" can sound redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was plainly evident" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating that a particular fact or situation was easily observable or understood. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. The phrase often introduces a clause explaining what was evident.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was plainly evident" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is easily noticeable or understood. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread acceptability and the contexts in which it is most frequently employed. While this phrase is more frequent in news media and scientific sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. When using this expression, ensure it is followed by a clear explanation of what was evident to enhance understanding and avoid redundancy by omitting intensifiers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was clearly obvious

Replaces "plainly evident" with synonyms that emphasize the clarity and obviousness of something.

it was abundantly clear

Emphasizes the overwhelming clarity of something.

it was readily apparent

Indicates something is easily and quickly noticed.

it was patently obvious

Highlights the undeniable and obvious nature of something.

it was unmistakably clear

Stresses the lack of ambiguity in understanding something.

it was conspicuously visible

Focuses on the high visibility and ease of noticing something.

it was self-evident

Indicates something is obvious without needing proof or explanation.

it was beyond dispute

Highlights the unquestionable nature of something.

it was impossible to miss

Emphasizes the difficulty in overlooking something.

it was an open secret

Suggests something known by many but not formally acknowledged.

FAQs

How can I use "it was plainly evident" in a sentence?

Use "it was plainly evident" to express that something was easily noticeable or understood. For example, "After the presentation, "it was plainly evident" that the team had not prepared adequately".

What can I say instead of "it was plainly evident"?

Alternatives include "it was clearly obvious", "it was readily apparent", or "it was abundantly clear". Choose the one that best fits the tone and context.

Is "it was plainly evident to me" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was plainly evident to me" is grammatically correct. It specifies who found something evident. For instance, "It was plainly evident to me that he was lying".

What's the difference between "it was plainly evident" and "it was clearly evident"?

Both phrases indicate something is easily understood, but ""it was plainly evident"" might suggest a slightly more understated or matter-of-fact observation, while "it was clearly evident" can emphasize a more forceful clarity.