plain errors

USAGE SUMMARY

"plain errors" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to obvious mistakes that are clear and straightforward. For example: "The report was filled with plain errors that needed correction." Alternative expressions include "obvious mistakes" and "clear errors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

To the contrary, to bar federal judges from recognizing plain errors on collateral review is to bind the federal prisoners more tightly than their state counterparts to this Court's procedural barriers.

Cornell University

Although the Rule applies to "plain errors or defects affecting substantial rights," one commentator has suggested that the disjunctive form of the Rule is only a means of distinguishing between "errors" (e.g., exclusion of evidence) and "defects" (e.g., defective pleading), and that in either event plain error applies only to errors affecting substantial rights.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Thus, we address the issue in terms of plain error.

Harvard University

was a plain error, falling into the loss of a pawn following 19 Ne5 Bf6 20 Qh5 Be5 219Ra2 Rc3 22 Qd19

The New York Times

See, e.g., United States v. Gerald, 624 F.2d 1291, 1299 (CA5 1980) ("Plain error is error which is 'both obvious and substantial'.... The plain error rule is not a run-of-the-mill remedy.

Cornell University

Writing for the court, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist agreed that the "plain error" test was the correct one.

The New York Times

If plain error was a possibility, I do not think The Times should have printed the charge without strong evidence.

The New York Times

Here also it is of special importance that plain error be not too readily taken to be harmless.

Cornell University

It adds, however, that the court at its option may notice a plain error not assigned or specified.

Cornell University

The Court suggests that allowing federal courts to recognize plain error on collateral review would obscure the differences between collateral review and appeal.

Cornell University

2. The Court of Appeals' use of Rule 52(b)'s "plain error" standard to review respondent's § 2255 motion was contrary to long-established law.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plain errors", ensure the context clearly demonstrates that the errors are indeed obvious and easily identifiable to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "plain errors" when the mistakes are actually subtle or require specialized knowledge to detect. Overusing the phrase can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain errors" functions as a noun phrase, where "plain" modifies "errors". It describes mistakes that are easily discernible or obvious. Examples on Ludwig highlight its use in legal and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plain errors" refers to easily identifiable mistakes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its frequency is relatively rare. Predominantly found in academic, news, and scientific contexts, it's crucial to ensure the context warrants the claim that the errors are indeed obvious. When aiming for elevated formality, consider alternatives like "evident errors" or "unmistakable errors".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious mistakes

Replaces "errors" with "mistakes" and "plain" with "obvious", focusing on the clarity of the error.

clear errors

Substitutes "plain" with "clear", highlighting the unambiguous nature of the errors.

evident errors

Uses "evident" instead of "plain", emphasizing that the errors are easily perceived.

unmistakable errors

Replaces "plain" with "unmistakable", indicating that the errors cannot be misunderstood.

patent errors

Utilizes "patent" to describe errors that are immediately obvious and easily detectable.

glaring errors

Employs "glaring" to convey that the errors are highly conspicuous and hard to miss.

blatant errors

Substitutes "plain" with "blatant", suggesting that the errors are obvious and intentional.

conspicuous errors

Uses "conspicuous" instead of "plain", emphasizing that the errors are easily noticeable.

palpable errors

Replaces "plain" with "palpable", indicating that the errors are easily perceived or felt.

easily spotted errors

Rephrases the concept to emphasize the ease with which the errors can be identified.

FAQs

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

You can use "plain errors" to describe mistakes that are obvious and easily identifiable. For example, "The document was riddled with "plain errors", making it difficult to understand".

What are some alternatives to saying "plain errors"?

Alternatives include "obvious mistakes", "clear errors", or "evident errors". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "plain errors" too informal for academic writing?

While "plain errors" is generally acceptable, in formal academic writing, consider using more precise alternatives such as "evident errors" or "unmistakable errors" to maintain a higher level of formality.

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

"Plain errors" emphasizes the obvious nature of the errors, suggesting they are easily noticeable. "Simple mistakes" focuses on the lack of complexity involved in making the error, implying they are basic or common. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the obviousness or the simplicity of the error.