plain fact

USAGE SUMMARY

"plain fact" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a simple, objective truth that is not disputed or complicated. For example: It's a plain fact that the Earth is round.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I say it as plain fact.

The New Yorker

The plain fact is this.

The Guardian

But the plain fact is that race still matters.

The New York Times

To them, inefficient markets are a plain fact.

The Economist

It is a plain fact, not an excuse".

The Guardian

The plain fact of the suspension wasn't surprising to me.

The New Yorker

The plain fact of it is haunting enough.

The New Yorker

But the plain fact is that a huge number of people seem to like it.

The Economist

FOR all of Egypt's abundant riches, the plain fact is that most Egyptians remain poor.

The Economist

The plain fact is that as gun outrages have multiplied, gun controls have lessened.

Independent

The plain fact is that our leaders have been killing at will.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plain fact" to introduce a statement that you want to emphasize as being straightforward, undeniable, and free from personal bias. It's effective for clarifying points and establishing a firm foundation in your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "plain fact" when the situation involves nuanced arguments or subjective interpretations. Its strength lies in simplicity, and overuse in intricate discussions can undermine your credibility by oversimplifying the matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain fact" functions as an introductory element to emphasize a statement's objectivity and lack of ambiguity. As shown by Ludwig, it is commonly used to set the stage for an assertion intended to be perceived as undeniably true.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plain fact" is a powerful tool for asserting objectivity and clarity in writing. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media. To maximize its impact, use it to introduce statements that are genuinely straightforward and undeniable. Avoid overuse in complex discussions, and consider synonyms like "undeniable truth" or "simple truth" for nuanced contexts. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively leverage "plain fact" to strengthen your arguments and enhance your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undeniable truth

Emphasizes the incontrovertible nature of the truth being stated, focusing on its impossibility to deny.

simple truth

Highlights the uncomplicated and straightforward nature of the truth.

obvious truth

Stresses that the truth is easily perceived and requires no deep analysis.

clear reality

Focuses on the unambiguous and evident nature of the situation or fact.

indisputable fact

Highlights that the fact cannot be challenged or debated.

unvarnished truth

Suggests the truth is presented directly, without any embellishment or softening.

naked truth

Emphasizes the stark and unadorned nature of the truth.

hard fact

Indicates the fact is firm, resistant to change, and possibly unpleasant.

brute fact

Highlights the harsh and unavoidable nature of the fact.

inescapable reality

Focuses on the impossibility of avoiding or ignoring the situation or fact.

FAQs

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

You can use "plain fact" to introduce an undeniable statement, such as: "The "plain fact" is that the Earth revolves around the sun."

What's a good alternative to "plain fact"?

Alternatives include "undeniable truth", "simple truth", or "obvious truth", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "plain fact" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "plain fact" is generally suitable for formal writing, especially when aiming to present information in a clear and direct manner. However, consider alternatives like "indisputable fact" for more emphasis.

When should I avoid using "plain fact"?

Avoid using "plain fact" when discussing subjective opinions or complex issues that require nuanced analysis. In such cases, it might be better to use phrases that acknowledge the complexity of the situation.