plain budget

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plain budget" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a straightforward or uncomplicated budget, often emphasizing simplicity or lack of complexity. Example: "The finance team presented a plain budget that clearly outlined all expenses and revenues without any unnecessary details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Senate on Monday is expected to send back to the House a plain budget bill, stripped of its provisions to delay the full effect of the health care law, repeal a tax on medical devices and allow businesses to opt out of contraception coverage for their employees.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

From Harry Truman's 1941 Chrysler Windsor, through four decades of the nearly indestructible Slant Six engine and on to, yes, the boring front-drive K-Cars of the 1980s, Chrysler delivered plain, affordable transportation for plain, budget-conscious people who saw that as a virtue.

The New York Times

I must have watched special effects worth hundreds of millions of dollars this year, but nothing has rent the heart as much as this plain low-budget collapse, and it makes you wonder: Was that a soul in Purgatory, and is he now at peace?

The New Yorker

Is that awkward sonic jump the product of lousy editing, a dwindling budget, plain carelessness, or an act of dadaist intent?

The Guardian - Film

Not bad for a company with zero advertising budget and plain Jane packaging reminiscent of laboratory labels, a no-frills approach that seemed to catch on at the start of the 90's, perhaps as a reaction to the excess of the 80's.

The New York Times - Style

Such announcements are the plain-language translation of budget abstractions in Albany and City Hall.

The New York Times

Congress has one plain duty, to balance the budget, and to refuse every subtle appeal for money that is not foreseen by that budget.

The New York Times

The sad state of California's budget was in plain view on Wednesday even as lawmakers and the Schwarzenegger administration labored over take-out dinners to complete the budget.

The New York Times

In plain English, he means cut budgets.

The Guardian - Opinion

The spectre of budget cuts here is plain – it is these areas which are expected to cope with a big reduction in their workforce over the next five years.

The Guardian

That is a whole new level of competitive importuning, contact wooing and just plain salivating after this year's $30 billion budget at the new Department of Homeland Security.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plain budget" when you want to emphasize the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of a financial plan. It's best suited for situations where clarity and simplicity are valued over intricate details.

Common error

Avoid using "plain budget" in highly formal business or academic reports where a more sophisticated term like "simplified budget" or "fundamental budget" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain budget" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "plain" modifies the noun "budget". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase as correct and usable. It is generally used to describe a budget that is simple and easy to understand.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "plain budget" describes a financial plan characterized by its simplicity and lack of complexity, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare, mainly appearing in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "simple budget" or "straightforward budget" offer similar meanings and might be preferred in more formal settings. When using "plain budget", aim to convey transparency and ease of understanding, avoiding overly technical jargon or intricate financial maneuvers. While it can be useful, it is often more appropriate to use alternatives depending on the context of the budget.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple budget

Replaces "plain" with a direct synonym emphasizing lack of complexity.

basic budget

Similar to "simple budget", highlighting the fundamental aspects.

straightforward budget

Focuses on the clarity and ease of understanding the budget.

uncomplicated budget

Emphasizes the absence of complex elements or details.

no-frills budget

Highlights the lack of non-essential features or spending.

austere budget

Stresses the strictness and frugality of the budget.

bare-bones budget

Indicates a budget reduced to its essential components.

minimal budget

Focuses on the very limited amount of funding available.

lean budget

Highlights efficiency and reduced spending in the budget.

modest budget

Indicates a budget that is reasonable and not excessive.

FAQs

What does "plain budget" mean?

A "plain budget" refers to a straightforward and uncomplicated financial plan, often lacking in complex details or extraneous features. It emphasizes clarity and ease of understanding.

What can I say instead of "plain budget"?

You can use alternatives like "simple budget", "basic budget", or "straightforward budget" depending on the context.

Is "plain budget" formal or informal?

"Plain budget" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. In more formal settings, consider using "simplified budget" or "fundamental budget".

How do I use "plain budget" in a sentence?

You can use "plain budget" to describe a financial plan, for instance: "The Senate on Monday is expected to send back to the House a "plain budget" bill, stripped of its provisions."