plain and clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plain and clear" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is generally used to describe something that has been expressed in a straightforward and easily understandable manner. For example: "The directions she gave us were plain and clear, so we had no trouble understanding what we needed to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

His language is plain and clear.

The Economist

As a statement of fact, this was plain and clear.

The New York Times - Arts

At once a language and a thing, drawing is as marvellous and mysterious as it can be plain and clear.

The Guardian - Arts

Though the authors occasionally lapse into jargon (their barnacles cling to "substrate" until the animals die and their six-plate shells "become disarticulated"), on the whole, their writing is plain and clear.

The New York Times - Science

Two, at that point he was wrapped up in the philosophy of Leo Tolstoy, who had claimed that all art should be plain and clear, and serve the downtrodden.

The New Yorker

The system is very stretched and we have been plain and clear to the opposition and to the government that the generosity of the international community is not something on which anybody can count next year," he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Guarantees must now be written in plain language and clear details must be given on how to make a claim.

The Guardian - Money

Sims writes: In the spring of 1955, he repeated portions of his campaign program that touched the issue of desegregation tangentially and claimed that he had already made his position "plain, simple, and clear".

The New Yorker

Once your background is shaded and your foreground is still plain and white, clear up any sketched or unfinished edges.

WikiHow

But I'm willing to bet that somewhere out there there's a kid who wants to do, not be told to do, and at the end of the project wants to feel the wind in her hair and smell a cold snap coming across the plains, crisp and clear and full of the future.

TechCrunch

The way in which biology should proceed had been made admirably plain, and it was clear that biologists had to tackle questions for which they had, as yet, no answers.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for direct communication, use "plain and clear" to ensure your message leaves no room for misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex vocabulary when striving for clarity. Sticking to "plain and clear" language enhances understanding, especially when explaining intricate concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain and clear" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or concept, indicating that it is easily understood and free from ambiguity. Ludwig examples show its use in describing language, instructions, and facts, emphasizing their straightforward nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "plain and clear" is a common and effective way to describe something that is easily understood and free from ambiguity. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it is frequently used in news and media, as well as in more informal writing. The related phrases offer alternatives such as "easily understood" and "unambiguous", which can be used depending on the specific context. When using this phrase, ensure that your message is direct and avoids unnecessary complexity. Ludwig's examples provide a solid foundation for understanding how to effectively use "plain and clear" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly stated

Focuses on the act of expressing something without obscurity.

unambiguous

Emphasizes the lack of multiple interpretations.

simple and understandable

Highlights simplicity as a means to comprehension.

easily understood

Focuses on the ease with which something can be grasped.

explicit and lucid

Highlights a combination of directness and clarity in expression.

crystal clear

Uses a metaphor to highlight exceptional clarity.

distinct and evident

Stresses the quality of being easily perceived and recognized.

readily apparent

Highlights how easily something is noticed or understood.

manifestly obvious

Emphasizes that something is undeniably clear.

patent

Implies that something is so obvious it requires no explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "plain and clear" in a sentence?

You can use "plain and clear" to describe something that is easy to understand. For example, "The instructions were "plain and clear", so even a beginner could follow them."

What's a good alternative to "plain and clear"?

Alternatives to "plain and clear" include "easily understood", "unambiguous", or "crystal clear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say something is both "plain" and "clear"?

While "plain" and "clear" have overlapping meanings, using them together emphasizes the thoroughness of the understandability. "Plain" suggests simplicity, while "clear" suggests a lack of ambiguity. Together, they reinforce the idea that something is very easy to grasp.

In what contexts is "plain and clear" most appropriate?

"Plain and clear" is suitable in various contexts where you need to stress the simplicity and lack of ambiguity in communication, such as giving instructions, explaining concepts, or providing directions. It is appropriate in both formal and informal settings.