made it plain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made it plain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something has been clearly stated or made obvious. Example: "She made it plain that she would not tolerate any form of disrespect in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Huygens's view of Titan on its way down made it plain that powerful currents have indeed carved the moon's surface.

Science Magazine

Mr. Seglem made it plain that the commission had already reached most of its conclusions.

The New York Times

He's made it plain: 'I want rallies.

The New York Times

And she made it plain what the election had unleashed.

The New Yorker

The report made it plain: something needed to change.

The Guardian

But then he made it plain he stood by what he had said.

Independent

The financial markets made it plain in the days that followed what they thought of it.

Independent

The Americans made it plain to the French that they were not happy either.

The Economist

Cecilia made it plain that she was profoundly unhappy to be there.

The New Yorker

But he also made it plain that America would rather move in concert with others.

The Economist

DURING his successful re-election campaign, Chancellor Gerhard Schröder made it plain.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made it plain" when you want to emphasize that something was communicated in a straightforward and easily understood manner. It's particularly effective when contrasting it with previous ambiguity or uncertainty.

Common error

While "made it plain" is generally acceptable, overuse in highly formal or academic writing can make your tone sound less sophisticated. Consider alternatives like "articulated clearly" or "specified explicitly" for such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made it plain" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to indicate that someone has communicated something in a clear and direct manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is correct and commonly encountered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "made it plain" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express that something has been communicated clearly and directly. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While suitable for various contexts, it's important to consider the level of formality required, opting for more sophisticated alternatives in academic or professional settings. Its high frequency in news and media highlights its effectiveness in conveying straightforward messages. When choosing related phrases, consider the nuances of clarity, directness, and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made it clear

Replaces "plain" with "clear", maintaining the same directness but with a slightly more common usage.

made it obvious

Shifts the focus to the undeniable nature of the information conveyed, implying less need for explicit statement.

stated explicitly

Emphasizes the direct and unambiguous nature of the statement.

expressed unequivocally

Highlights the lack of ambiguity or reservation in the communication.

left no doubt

Focuses on the resulting certainty in the audience's mind, rather than the act of communication itself.

articulated distinctly

Emphasizes the clarity and precision of the expression.

specified precisely

Highlights the exactness and detail in the communication.

indicated unambiguously

Focuses on the clarity and lack of potential for misinterpretation.

declared openly

Highlights the public nature and lack of secrecy in the communication.

put it on record

Emphasizes the official or formal nature of making something plain.

FAQs

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

You can use "made it plain" to indicate that someone has stated something clearly and directly. For example, "The CEO "made it plain" that the company would not tolerate any unethical behavior".

What are some alternatives to "made it plain"?

Alternatives include "made it clear", "made it obvious", or stated explicitly. The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "made it plain" formal or informal?

"Made it plain" is generally considered to be neutral in formality. It is suitable for most contexts, but more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or very professional settings.

What's the difference between "made it plain" and "made it clear"?

While similar, "made it plain" often suggests a more forceful or direct communication than "made it clear". "Plain" implies a lack of ambiguity and a straightforward message.