more plainly

USAGE SUMMARY

"more plainly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to emphasize or clarify a point being made in a sentence. Example: "The instructions were written in a complex manner, making it difficult for beginners to understand. To make things easier, the teacher explained the steps more plainly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tara put it more plainly.

The New York Times - Magazine

I cannot say it any more plainly.

The New York Times - Sports

I said I could not imagine anything said more plainly.

The New Yorker

To put it more plainly, they are fancy earplugs.

The New York Times

Did all she might, more plainly to appear.

Yale University

Sometimes the Internet reveals these truths even more plainly.

The New Yorker

Put more plainly, the Talmud says: It's your problem, sir; not hers.

The New York Times

Despite her company's name, Gong projects nothing more plainly than a conviction that fate is obsolete.

The New Yorker

But, in fact, tensions between "minority" groups could soon be more plainly obvious than any solidarity.

The New York Times

We are happy to have an opportunity to make the connection more plainly.

Columbia University

Jodie Mason, 86, an honorary member, explains the reason behind the club's birth more plainly.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you have already introduced an idea in abstract terms, use "more plainly" to offer a concrete restatement.

Common error

While "more plainly" is versatile, avoid overusing it in casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "clearly" or "simply" might sound more natural. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more plainly" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier. It modifies a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which something is said or explained. Ludwig suggests this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

18%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more plainly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to clarify and simplify statements. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable part of the English language. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it bridges complex ideas with accessible language. Its neutral register makes it versatile across diverse writing styles. To enhance clarity, use "more plainly" when restating ideas in simpler terms. Conversely, avoid overuse in informal conversations where simplicity is already inherent. Related phrases include "more clearly" and "more simply", each providing subtle variations in emphasis. High-quality sources and consistent usage affirm its place in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more clearly

Focuses on the ease of understanding.

more directly

Emphasizes the lack of intermediaries or indirectness in the communication.

more simply

Highlights the uncomplicated nature of the explanation.

more explicitly

Stresses the detailed and unambiguous nature of the communication.

more frankly

Indicates a higher degree of honesty and openness.

more straightforwardly

Focuses on the direct and uncomplicated approach.

in simpler terms

Rephrases the idea using less complex vocabulary and sentence structure.

to put it simply

Introduces a simplified explanation or summary.

more accessibly

Highlights that a topic is presented in a way that is easy to approach and understand.

in plain language

Highlights the usage of common speech that's easy to grasp.

FAQs

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

Use "more plainly" to rephrase or clarify a statement you've already made, aiming for simplicity and directness. For example, "The initial explanation was complex; to put it "more plainly", we need to simplify the process."

What phrases are similar to "more plainly"?

Alternatives include "more clearly", "more simply", or "more directly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "more plainly" in writing?

It's appropriate when you need to simplify a complex idea for a broader audience, or when you want to ensure your message is easily understood. Use it in situations where clarity is paramount.

Is there a difference between "more plainly" and ""more clearly""?

While similar, "more plainly" often implies a simplification of language, whereas ""more clearly"" emphasizes understandability. You would use "more plainly" when reducing jargon and complexity, and ""more clearly"" when something was not easily perceived.