make plain

USAGE SUMMARY

"make plain" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to making something clear, or making something easier to understand. For example, "The instructor made her lesson plan plain to the students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This message is still relevant, as the nasty habits of highly ineffective bankers make plain.

The Economist

This last line is pure self-deception, as subsequent entries make plain.

The New Yorker

This phase is not, the rules make plain, a time for negotiation.

The Economist

Mr O'Donnell does well to make plain how much less clear-cut orthodoxy was in 400AD.

The Economist

Maybe more than any other creature, shipworms make plain that, in biology, everything is a vessel.

The New Yorker

Sometimes a writer uses context to make plain which meaning is meant.

The New York Times - Magazine

A bolder court would have used yesterday to make plain that this would not do.

The Guardian - Opinion

The judgments make plain the Lords' determination that these detentions should not continue.

The Guardian

There was not enough individual decency to make plain Trump's indecency.

The New Yorker

But, like those other companies, they should make plain their determination to resolve the issue rather than fudge it.

The Economist

He will be much missed as a writer who could make plain the meaning behind even the most complicated art".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, "make plain" adds a touch of authority and decisiveness to your explanation.

Common error

While "make plain" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "explain" or "clarify" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make plain" functions as a verb phrase. It typically aims to clarify, simplify, or elucidate information, ensuring it is easily understood. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make plain" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that serves to clarify or simplify complex information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard expression in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, the phrase aims to ensure clarity and understanding. While generally neutral to formal, it adds a touch of authority when used in professional or academic settings. When aiming for simplicity in casual settings, consider alternatives like "explain" or "clarify". Key takeaway: use "make plain" when precision and clarity are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make clear

A direct synonym, emphasizing the removal of doubt or confusion.

clarify

Focuses on removing ambiguity to make something easier to understand.

elucidate

Suggests a more detailed explanation to make something clear.

show clearly

Focuses on visually or evidently making something apparent.

simplify

Highlights the action of making something less complex.

spell out

Implies explaining something very directly and explicitly.

articulate clearly

Emphasizes the skill of expressing something in an understandable way.

uncomplicate

Highlights the action of making something less complex.

demonstrate

Highlights the action of showing something to be true through evidence.

demystify

Suggests removing the mysterious or obscure aspects of something.

FAQs

How can I use "make plain" in a sentence?

You can use "make plain" to indicate that something should be clarified or explained simply, as in, "The teacher used diagrams to "make plain" the complex scientific process".

What are some alternatives to "make plain"?

Alternatives include "clarify", "elucidate", "make clear", or "spell out", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "make plain" or "make it plain"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""make plain"" is often used when the object is implied or understood, while "make it plain" is used when you need to specify the object being clarified.

What's the difference between "make plain" and "explain"?

"Make plain" suggests a simplification or clarification of something complex, while "explain" is a more general term for providing information about something.