plain facade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plain facade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a simple or unadorned exterior of a building or structure, emphasizing a lack of decorative features. Example: "The old library had a plain facade, contrasting sharply with the ornate buildings surrounding it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The otherwise plain facade boasts a Renaissance rose window.

The New York Times - Travel

Don't be deceived by the plain facade of the jewelry store Revantic.

The New York Times

It is an old New York story: a plain facade behind which lurks a rich history.

The New York Times

One is streamlined in its architecture, but is dwarfed by a tall building with an extremely plain facade.

The New York Times

Though it's not nearly as attractive as the DeLonghi, this model makes up for its plain facade with its reliability as a workhorse.

The New York Times

MARKET OVERVIEW Many foreign buyers want historical houses from the Colonial period, which typically have a plain facade, according to Ms. Waugh.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Above, utterly plain facades rise to pitched, dormered roofs, the perfect picture of the simplicity of the early Republic.

The New York Times

She uses trellises to add interest to houses with plain facades, tying the architecture and landscaping together with strategies like painting trellises to match shutters.

The New York Times

While field observations are many, up to now, field experiments and modelling efforts are few and have been almost exclusively performed for plain facades without facade details.

Building and Environment

But a real New York romance played out at the house next door, No. 64, whose plainer facade served as Carrie's building for the first three seasons of the show, said Tim Gunn, the fashion executive who lived in an apartment there for 16 years.

The New York Times

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Aug. 23 — The new public school at 2620 Hollywood Boulevard stands out despite its plain gray facade.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a building's exterior, use "plain facade" to emphasize simplicity and lack of ornamentation. This phrase effectively conveys a sense of understatement and can be particularly useful when contrasting it with more elaborate architectural styles.

Common error

Avoid assuming a "plain facade" is inherently negative. While it indicates a lack of ornamentation, it can also represent simplicity, modernity or a deliberate design choice. Use it to objectively describe the appearance, not to express disapproval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain facade" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying a building or structure. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase describes a simple or unadorned exterior. Examples show it's often used to contrast the exterior with a more elaborate interior or surrounding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plain facade" is a grammatically sound and neutrally registered phrase used to depict a building's simple, unadorned exterior. Ludwig AI confirms its usage is valid and common. Its primary function is descriptive, often setting the stage for contrast or highlighting a minimalist design. While not overly frequent, it's readily understood and applicable in various contexts, mainly within News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple exterior

Focuses on the lack of complexity in the outward appearance.

unadorned front

Emphasizes the absence of decoration or embellishment on the building's front.

austere facade

Suggests a severity or starkness in the building's design.

modest frontage

Highlights the unassuming nature of the building's street-facing side.

unpretentious facade

Implies a lack of showiness or grandeur in the building's exterior.

basic facade

Highlights a elementary and fundamental form of the frontage.

minimalist facade

Refers to a style characterized by extreme simplicity and a deliberate lack of features.

understated facade

Emphasizes a subtle or restrained quality in the design.

unembellished facade

Similar to unadorned, but with a stronger emphasis on the absence of added details.

unassuming frontage

Conveys a sense of humility or lack of assertiveness in the building's appearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "plain facade" to describe a building's exterior that lacks ornamentation or decorative features. For example: "Despite its "plain facade", the building housed a surprisingly elaborate interior."

What is another way to say "plain facade"?

Alternatives to "plain facade" include "simple exterior", "unadorned front", or "austere facade". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a facade plain"?

No, the correct phrasing is "plain facade". The adjective "plain" precedes the noun "facade" in standard English usage.

What does a "plain facade" suggest about a building?

A "plain facade" suggests that the building's exterior is simple, unadorned, and lacks elaborate decorative elements. It could indicate a minimalist design, a focus on functionality over aesthetics, or a deliberate contrast with its surroundings.