plain conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plain conviction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a straightforward or clear belief or opinion about something. Example: "Her plain conviction that honesty is the best policy guided her decisions throughout her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There's plain conviction in that line, delivered in a tumbling falsetto.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But in his previous writings, and in a 2002 report on cloning by the council, he made plain his conviction that society should not hesitate to curb scientists when they trespass on life's central mysteries.

The New York Times

In an interview this week with al-Jazeera, Mr Putin made plain the basic conviction underlying these moans: that all American talk about Russia's democratic failings was so much realpolitik.

The Economist

It was a potent brew of inside information, scornful conviction, and plain speaking, and at the end, for only the second time in the last nine weeks, the audience clapped.

The Guardian

Two years into his Presidency, FDR was a long way from ending the great Depression (only the Second World War would do that), but he had done much to restore confidence in democracy, and had earned, in the the words of Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., "the conviction of plain people that he had given them head and heart and would not cease fighting in their cause".

The New Yorker

"When I see a picture, in most cases, I recognize it at once as being or not being by the master it is ascribed to; the rest is merely a question of how to fish out the evidence that will make the conviction as plain to others as it is to me".

The New Yorker

"The appeal of challenging wrongful convictions is plain," he writes.

The New Yorker

Write with conviction and integrity, plain and simple.

Huffington Post

The president simply couldn't seem to escape his professorial past, to convey his passion and convictions in the plain words of plain folks, and to breach the chasm between the People's House and people's houses.

The New York Times

Both Kant and ideal utilitarians fail to capture some salient element of the 'main moral convictions of the plain man' (RG 20 21n1).

SEP

There has always been a strong sense of place in his work, and here the descriptions of the landscape, imbued with myth as it is, carry total conviction - the windy plain, the sacred river, Mount Ida and the grove where Paris made the fatal gift.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plain conviction" when you want to emphasize the straightforward and honest nature of a belief. This phrase works well when describing someone's genuine and unpretentious certainty about something.

Common error

Avoid using "plain" simply as a filler word. Ensure that the plainness truly adds to the meaning, highlighting sincerity or lack of pretense, rather than just weakening the conviction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain conviction" functions as a noun phrase that describes a belief held with sincerity and without pretense. It adds emphasis to the genuineness of the conviction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plain conviction" describes a straightforward and sincere belief. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is usable in written English. While not very common, it adds emphasis to the genuineness of a conviction. It is mostly found in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "clear belief" and "sincere conviction". When using "plain conviction", ensure that the "plainness" genuinely highlights the sincerity and lack of pretense, contributing to the overall impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear belief

Emphasizes the lucidity and unambiguity of the belief.

sincere conviction

Highlights the genuineness and honesty of the conviction.

unwavering belief

Focuses on the steadfast and resolute nature of the belief.

firm persuasion

Suggests a strong and unshakeable belief.

strong faith

Implies a deep-seated and confident belief, often with religious connotations.

deep-seated belief

Highlights that the belief is firmly established and deeply rooted.

earnest conviction

Emphasizes the seriousness and sincerity of the conviction.

undoubted certainty

Indicates complete assurance and lack of doubt.

unquestioning acceptance

Implies belief without any reservations or doubts.

moral certitude

Suggests a strong conviction based on moral principles.

FAQs

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

You can use "plain conviction" to describe someone's straightforward and honest belief. For example: "Her "plain conviction" in the importance of education drove her to become a teacher."

What does "plain conviction" mean?

"Plain conviction" means a straightforward, honest, and sincere belief or certainty about something. The word "plain" emphasizes the lack of pretense or complexity in the conviction.

What are some alternatives to "plain conviction"?

Alternatives to "plain conviction" include "clear belief", "sincere conviction", or "unwavering belief", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "plain conviction" in formal writing?

Yes, "plain conviction" is appropriate in formal writing when you want to emphasize the sincerity and lack of pretense behind a belief. However, ensure that it aligns with the overall tone and context of your writing.