plain fun

USAGE SUMMARY

"plain fun" is a perfectly valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It typically means something that is fun without being fancy or complicated. For example, you could say "Going on a picnic in the park is plain fun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For contemporary children, it's just plain fun.

The New York Times - Arts

It can also be just plain fun.

The New York Times

SOME restaurants are just plain fun.

The New York Times

Some artists just had plain fun with it.

The New York Times - Arts

The art is also just plain fun to look at.

The New York Times - Books

Tobin's story celebrates language, whether the words are good, bad or just plain fun.

The New York Times - Books

Besides, I added, writing horror stories is, well, just plain fun.

The New York Times

Part of her motive for joining the pirates was just plain fun.

The New York Times

Just plain fun: books on fictional billboards; Bronte action figures; "It's a book, Jackass".

The Guardian - Books

More surprising by far was the atmosphere of celebration and joyfulness – just plain fun – that pervaded the proceedings.

The Guardian

All in all: Danny Boyle wins the night for that witty, wry and just plain fun opener.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plain fun" to describe activities or experiences that are enjoyable without being elaborate or sophisticated. It's perfect for conveying a sense of lightheartedness and simplicity.

Common error

Avoid using "plain fun" excessively in formal or professional writing, as it can sometimes sound too informal. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "simple pleasure" or "genuine enjoyment" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain fun" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, describing the quality of something being enjoyable in a simple, unadorned way. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plain fun" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe simple and unpretentious enjoyment. Ludwig AI validates its use in various contexts, although it's more common in news, media and informal settings. While versatile, remember to consider the formality of your writing and choose synonyms like "simple pleasure" or "sheer enjoyment" for more formal or professional contexts. Its widespread presence across numerous reliable sources attests to its validity and utility in expressing lighthearted enjoyment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple pleasure

Focuses on the uncomplicated nature of the enjoyment.

sheer enjoyment

Highlights the unadulterated nature of the fun.

basic amusement

Emphasizes the fundamental aspect of the fun.

easy entertainment

Stresses the accessibility and effortlessness of the fun.

undiluted joy

Highlights the pure and unmixed nature of the fun.

uncomplicated pleasure

Emphasizes the lack of complexity in the fun.

pure delight

Focuses on the positive emotion derived from the fun.

genuine enjoyment

Highlights the authenticity of the fun.

straightforward entertainment

Stresses the direct and simple nature of the fun.

effortless amusement

Emphasizes the ease and lack of effort involved in the fun.

FAQs

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

You can use "plain fun" to describe an activity or experience that is enjoyable and uncomplicated. For example, "Going to the park is just "plain fun"".

What can I say instead of "plain fun"?

You can use alternatives like "simple pleasure", "sheer enjoyment", or "basic amusement" depending on the context.

Is "plain fun" too informal for professional writing?

While "plain fun" is widely understood, it might be considered too informal for certain professional contexts. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "genuine enjoyment" or "uncomplicated pleasure".

What's the difference between "plain fun" and "sheer enjoyment"?

"Plain fun" emphasizes the simplicity and lack of pretension in the enjoyment, while "sheer enjoyment" highlights the unadulterated and intense nature of the fun. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.