plain existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plain existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a simple, unadorned state of being or life without complications. Example: "In the midst of chaos, she found solace in her plain existence, appreciating the beauty of everyday life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Inge brings Keats and music into Olaf's plain existence.

The New York Times

What she brings to the story is a thorough knowledge of Wordsworth's day-to-day activities and an admirable common sense, which allows her to dismiss the wilder speculations with which other biographers have tried to spice up the poet's usually plain existence.

The New Yorker

If a way the world might not be is a way some concrete impossible world is, impossibilities are realized by the plain existence of impossibilia instantiating them.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"That connects the cosmic to the plain everyday existence that we try to live in".

The Guardian - Arts

Clarification: The Daily Telegraph interview used the exact term "plain of existence".

Huffington Post

Life suddenly seems to have a wholeness, a superhuman intensity that lifts us high above the ordinary plain of existence.

Huffington Post

I hope sparrows fill heavenly trees and know I meant well and know that I hold to this day the lesson of the hatchling sparrow's unanswerable exit from this plain of existence.

HuffPost

Teachers offer principles, honor, truth, rationality and philosophical belief systems, but lead secret, hypocritical, compromised or just plain confused existences.

The New York Times

It begs the question: What if we could travel between these two plains of existence?

Huffington Post

The series of scans on ScanLAB's page show the development and variations of their still nascent techniques, creating effects that swing between mathematical graphs, phantasmal half-worlds and rather solid plains of existence.

Vice

Damon makes plain old earthbound existence look far more intriguing than any transcendental flummery, and just about redeems the film from its laborious anti-rationalist propagandising.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plain existence", ensure the context clarifies what aspects of existence are being described as plain or simple. For example, specify whether it refers to a lack of material wealth, social engagement, or emotional complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "plain existence" when you intend to describe a difficult or impoverished life. "Plain existence" primarily conveys simplicity or lack of adornment, not necessarily hardship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain existence" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state of being. Ludwig confirms its usability and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plain existence" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a life or state of being marked by simplicity and a lack of embellishment. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. While not overly common, it finds use in various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. To effectively use the phrase, consider the connotations of simplicity versus hardship and choose it when you mean an existence without complexities. Alternatives such as ""simple life"" or ""uncomplicated existence"" can offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple life

Focuses on the simplicity of life, omitting the notion of just existing.

uncomplicated existence

Emphasizes the lack of complexity in one's life.

simple way of life

Similar to "simple life" but emphasizes a chosen path.

modest lifestyle

Highlights a humble and unpretentious way of living.

basic living

Suggests a focus on fundamental needs and activities.

ordinary life

Highlights the commonness and lack of extraordinary events.

minimalist existence

Stresses a life with very few possessions or distractions.

uneventful life

Focuses on the absence of significant occurrences.

bare existence

Emphasizes the essential aspects of survival.

austere living

Implies a strict and self-disciplined lifestyle.

FAQs

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

You can use "plain existence" to describe a life that is simple, unadorned, and lacking in complexity. For example: "After years of chasing success, he returned to the countryside to embrace a "simple life"/plain existence".

What does "plain existence" mean?

The term "plain existence" refers to a state of living that is simple, basic, and without unnecessary additions or complications. It suggests a focus on the fundamentals of life.

What is an alternative to saying "plain existence"?

Alternatives to "plain existence" include "simple life", "uncomplicated existence", or "modest lifestyle". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "simple existence" or "plain existence"?

"Simple existence" and "plain existence" are largely interchangeable. "Simple existence" might emphasize ease, while "plain existence" emphasizes a lack of embellishment. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.