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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
just plain idiotic
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "just plain idiotic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is simply foolish or nonsensical without any additional qualifiers. Example: "His decision to invest all his savings in that scheme was just plain idiotic."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Alternative expressions(18)
just plain dumb
just plain crazy
utterly ridiculous
completely senseless
utterly foolish
just plain ridiculous
just plain nonsense
just plain stupid
simply idiotic
downright moronic
patently ridiculous
just plain insane
just plain daft
absolutely senseless
just plain silly
completely absurd
patently absurd
blatantly absurd
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
Things that would seem either over-the-top or just plain idiotic in the hands of other bands become downright reasonable.
News & Media
That was President Obama commenting the other day about some of the irresponsible, outlandish and just plain idiotic things critics have been saying about the Affordable Care Act.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Just plain weird.
News & Media
Or just plain creepy?
News & Media
Just plain anything".
News & Media
Or just plain stupid.
News & Media
It is just plain rude.
News & Media
It's just plain hammy.
News & Media
It is just plain dumb.
News & Media
Are they just plain stupid?
News & Media
It's just plain bizarre.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "just plain idiotic" to emphasize the sheer lack of sense or intelligence behind an action or idea. This phrase is most effective when you want to convey a strong sense of disbelief or disapproval.
Common error
While effective, "just plain idiotic" can sound repetitive if used too frequently. Vary your language with alternatives like "utterly ridiculous" or "completely absurd" to keep your writing engaging.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "just plain idiotic" functions as an intensifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to express a strong negative evaluation of its intelligence or sensibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable grammar.
Frequent in
News & Media
100%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Science
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "just plain idiotic" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that expresses strong disapproval of something considered foolish or unintelligent. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness. While relatively rare, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "utterly ridiculous" or "completely absurd". Its primary function is to convey a strong, negative evaluation, emphasizing the lack of sense behind an action or idea.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
downright moronic
Uses a stronger term to emphasize the extreme lack of intelligence.
blatantly stupid
Highlights the obvious and inexcusable lack of intelligence.
completely absurd
Highlights the nonsensical and illogical nature of something.
patently absurd
Indicates that the absurdity is obvious and undeniable.
utterly ridiculous
Emphasizes the absurdity and laughability of something.
absolutely senseless
Highlights the lack of purpose or reason in something.
simply foolish
A more straightforward way of expressing lack of intelligence or good judgement.
unmitigated foolishness
Emphasizes the complete and utter lack of wisdom.
pure nonsense
Focuses on the lack of meaning or logic in something.
incredibly ill-advised
Focuses on the poor judgement and potential negative consequences.
FAQs
What does "just plain idiotic" mean?
The phrase "just plain idiotic" means something is simply and completely foolish, lacking in intelligence or common sense. It emphasizes the obvious and undeniable nature of the idiocy.
How can I use "just plain idiotic" in a sentence?
You can use "just plain idiotic" to describe actions, ideas, or decisions that are remarkably unintelligent. For example, "Investing all his money in that venture was "just plain idiotic"."
What are some alternatives to saying "just plain idiotic"?
Alternatives include "utterly ridiculous", "completely absurd", or "simply foolish". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is "just plain idiotic" a formal or informal expression?
"Just plain idiotic" is generally considered an informal expression. While understandable in most contexts, it might not be appropriate for highly formal or professional settings. In these scenarios, consider using a more tempered phrase.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested