plain ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plain ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a simple, straightforward, or unembellished area or situation, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "In our discussion, we need to return to plain ground and focus on the main issues at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"There is just plain ground," he recalled.

The New Yorker

A picture called "Einstein's Brain 12 Times" shows a dozen little images of a brain lined up in grid formation on a plain ground.

The New York Times - Arts

This is accomplished by the way they are compelled to set off their figures as an intelligible scheme of thin raised lines and inlay against a plain ground.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And if you prefer plain ground beef to sausage, it will still produce a good sauce; it is best if the meat has a fairly high fat content, up around 25percentt.

The New York Times - Food

The ideals of Neoclassical sculpture its emphasis on clarity of contour, on the plain ground, on not rivalling painting either in the imitation of aerial or linear perspective in relief or of flying hair and fluttering drapery in freestanding figures were chiefly inspired by theory and by Roman neo-Attic works, or indeed by Roman pseudo-Archaic art.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The bare frame models of three different configurations, such as regular configuration on plain ground, setback configuration on plain ground and setback configuration on sloping ground are compared to study the basic difference between these structures.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Her characters are E.T.-like beings, with dark-skinned, stick-figure bodies and round green heads, set against a plain blue ground.

The New York Times - Arts

Out of a plain black ground Christ emerges, or rather glimmers, something in the handling of the paint giving him a sort of fevered numinousness.

The Guardian - Arts

That portrait too is cut off mid-torso, but its plain blue ground makes it seem both less immediately present to us physically and more remote as a human being.

Independent

In a "Pieta," on loan from the State Hermitage Museum in St . Petersburg the figures of Jesus, Mary and St. John are straight-up Giovanni Bellini plunked down on a plain gold ground.

The New York Times - Arts

This is colloidal oatmeal and is more beneficial to your skin than plain non ground oatmeal.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing architectural considerations for earthquake resistance, use "plain ground" to contrast with sloping or uneven terrain.

Common error

Avoid using "plane ground" when you mean "plain ground". "Plane" refers to a flat surface, while "plain" means simple or unadorned. Ensure you're using the correct word to convey your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain ground" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "plain", meaning simple or unadorned, with the noun "ground", referring to the earth's surface. This phrase often modifies another noun to describe a type of terrain.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plain ground" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a level, simple area of land. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for general usage, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, consider the subtle differences between "plain ground" and alternatives such as "level ground" or "flat land" to ensure the most accurate and effective communication. Remember to avoid the common error of using "plane ground" instead of the correct term, "plain ground". Use "plain ground" to emphasize the simplicity and lack of features of the ground.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

level ground

Focuses on the flatness and evenness of the ground.

flat land

Emphasizes the flatness of the terrain, often referring to a larger area.

even surface

Highlights the lack of irregularities on the ground.

clear area

Suggests an unobstructed or open space of ground.

bare earth

Implies a lack of vegetation or covering on the ground.

open field

Refers to an uncultivated expanse of land.

vacant lot

Suggests an empty or unused piece of ground.

undisturbed soil

Focuses on the ground being untouched or unaltered.

simple terrain

Emphasizes the lack of complexity in the ground's features.

unadorned surface

Highlights the lack of embellishment on the ground's surface.

FAQs

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

You can use "plain ground" to describe level or featureless land, as in "The building was constructed on "level ground" for stability".

What are some alternatives to "plain ground"?

Some alternatives include "flat land", "level surface", or "clear area", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "plane ground" instead of "plain ground"?

No, it is not correct. "Plain ground" refers to simple or level land. "Plane" refers to a flat surface, making "plane ground" grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

What is the significance of "plain ground" in construction or engineering?

In construction and engineering, building on "plain ground" or "level ground" is essential for structural stability, especially in areas prone to seismic activity, as opposed to building on sloping or uneven terrain.