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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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just plain idiotic

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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.

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

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Just plain weird.

News & Media

The New York Times

Or just plain creepy?

News & Media

Independent

Just plain anything".

News & Media

The New York Times

Or just plain stupid.

News & Media

The New York Times

It is just plain rude.

News & Media

The New York Times

It's just plain hammy.

News & Media

The New York Times

It is just plain dumb.

News & Media

The New York Times

Are they just plain stupid?

It's just plain bizarre.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Rare

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.

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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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: