more plain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more plain" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to compare two things and indicate that one is simpler or more straightforward than the other. Example: "I found the first explanation to be confusing, but the second one was much more plain and easy to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

No more plain predictability.

The Guardian - Film

Starrett is more plain.

The New York Times

I like to do the more plain Jane thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Bush said, "I can't make it any more plain".

The New York Times

I will endeavor to render this thought more plain by a simple example.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The show clothes were not pretty — more plain or even drab.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Some colleagues have felt put-upon by the more plain-speaking people.

Independent

And the sans-serif menu, which changes daily, couldn't have been more plain-spoken.

The New York Times - Travel

Few rappers are more plain-spoken about their feelings than Tyler is, and luckily success hasn't dampened that.

The New York Times - Arts

Of course, this is more plain-old cheating and not so much plagiarism, but the impulse is the same.

The New Yorker

Other companies are working to get more plain-vanilla stock, not options, into executives' hands -- stock they must buy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more plain" to describe something, ensure that the context clearly indicates what it is being compared to. For example, "The instructions were made more plain after the initial confusion."

Common error

Avoid using "more plain" without a clear point of reference. Ensure that the comparison is explicit or easily inferred from the surrounding text to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more plain" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a greater degree of simplicity, clarity, or lack of ornamentation. Ludwig shows numerous examples of this usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more plain" is a versatile comparative, frequently used to describe something as simpler, clearer, or more straightforward than something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted, appearing in diverse contexts ranging from news articles to scientific papers. Its prevalence in News & Media and Wiki sources suggests a tendency toward accessible communication. When using "more plain", ensure clarity by providing a clear comparison point. Consider alternatives like "more straightforward" or "more simple" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more straightforward

Emphasizes directness and lack of ambiguity.

more simple

Highlights the lack of complexity.

more direct

Focuses on a lack of indirectness.

more obvious

Highlights the ease of being noticed or understood.

more evident

Focuses on something being clearly visible or apparent.

more understandable

Emphasizes the ease with which something can be grasped.

more accessible

Highlights ease of access or comprehension.

more uncomplicated

Focuses on the lack of complicating factors.

less elaborate

Indicates a reduction in detail or complexity.

more basic

Highlights the fundamental or essential nature.

FAQs

What does "more plain" mean?

The phrase "more plain" generally means simpler, clearer, or more straightforward. It indicates a reduction in complexity or ornamentation.

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

You can use "more plain" to compare two things, indicating that one is simpler or more straightforward than the other. For example: "The second explanation was "much more plain" than the first."

What are some alternatives to saying "more plain"?

Alternatives to "more plain" include "more straightforward", "more simple", or "more direct" depending on the context.

Is "more plain" the same as "plain"?

"Plain" describes something as simple or unadorned. "More plain" is a comparative form, indicating that something is simpler or more unadorned than something else.