plain

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "plain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe something that is not showy or elaborate, as in: She wore a plain white dress to the party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Opinion

Business

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To try to close down that debate prematurely is both arrogant and plain wrong".

The Guardian

For the first 12 years it was the plain old Terry Wogan Show and you were all Twits, the Terry Wogan is Tops Society.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Sadly, cricketing suicides are not rare, as David Frith's book Silence of the Heart makes plain.

The Guardian - Sport

As I met world leaders at the G20 in Brisbane, the problems were plain to see.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet there is the competitor's relish for the challenges ahead and it is plain that Arsenal has got under his skin.

The Guardian - Sport

There can be no ifs or buts – it must be condemned plain and simple".

The Guardian

The boy, plain and simple, is a tyrant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The dominant narrative shaping this election – that it was neck-and-neck between Labour and the Conservatives and that a coalition deal was the most likely electoral outcome – turned out to be plain wrong.

The Guardian

harmonyhall.com, cottages from $130 a night (three-night minimum) Nothing can quite prepare you for the shock of what lies behind a plain wooden gate at the end of a scruffy little track.

The Guardian - Travel

I like to have some plain rice, which provides carbohydrates and is easy to digest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In plain English, he was likely to be "mentally retarded" and fall into the very category of prisoner who the supreme court had just declared must not be executed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and directness, use "plain" to describe something that is straightforward and easy to understand. For example, use "plain language" in legal documents to ensure accessibility.

Common error

While "plain" is suitable for many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal writing where more sophisticated synonyms like "unambiguous" or "evident" might be more appropriate. This enhances the tone and precision of your message.

Linguistic Context

The word "plain" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of adornment, complexity, or distinctiveness. It can also denote something that is easily understood or obvious. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating these uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Business

5%

Arts

5%

Travel

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "plain" is a versatile adjective commonly used across various contexts to denote simplicity, clarity, or lack of adornment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides ample examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, indicating its frequent use in news, lifestyle, and sports reporting. While generally acceptable, writers should consider more sophisticated synonyms for enhanced precision in formal contexts. Understanding the nuances of "plain" allows for more effective and contextually appropriate communication. Be smart and chose synonyms to make the text more precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple

Focuses on the lack of complexity or elaboration.

unadorned

Emphasizes the absence of decoration or ornamentation.

unembellished

Similar to unadorned, but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the lack of added details.

ordinary

Highlights the common or typical nature of something.

evident

Stresses the clear and easily perceived nature of something.

obvious

Indicates that something is easily understood or recognized.

clear

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity or obscurity.

straightforward

Highlights the direct and uncomplicated nature of something.

basic

Focuses on the fundamental or essential aspects.

homely

Implies a simple, unpretentious, and often comforting quality, particularly in reference to appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "plain" in a sentence?

You can use "plain" to describe something simple or ordinary, as in "She wore a plain dress". It can also mean obvious, like "It was plain that he was lying".

What's the difference between "plain" and "simple"?

"Plain" often implies a lack of adornment or complexity, while "simple" suggests ease of understanding or use. A plain design is unadorned, while a simple explanation is easy to follow.

When can I use "evident" instead of "plain"?

You can use "evident" when you want to emphasize that something is clearly visible or obvious, similar to one of the meanings of "plain". For example, "It was plain to see" can also be expressed as "It was evident".

Is it ever incorrect to use "plain"?

While generally correct, overuse of "plain" in highly formal or technical contexts might be perceived as simplistic. Consider more precise synonyms like "unambiguous", "explicit", or "unadorned" depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.