plain ignorant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plain ignorant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is simply and obviously lacking knowledge or awareness about a particular subject. Example: "His refusal to learn about the issue shows that he is plain ignorant of the facts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

These people should be ashamed and ignored as just plain ignorant and despicable.

Huffington Post

That's plain ignorant".

The New York Times - Sports

"If you're not just a little scared when you see these patients, then you are either arrogant, indifferent or just plain ignorant".

The New York Times

In a Pace poll last month, the area's population came off as supremely uninterested in the natural world, as well as woefully naïve (or maybe just plain ignorant).

The New York Times

Unexamined, entitled and just plain ignorant, Shriver's speech collapses all the nuances of the sensitivity required when approaching experiences or issues that might be dear and delicate to others, into "political correctness gone mad".

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a noble and well-intentioned rule but the unlawful, restrictive and plain ignorant approach of officials makes it virtually impossible for many genuine victims of domestic violence to succeed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

They're not comfortable with the idea of a savior (Amida Buddha) saving people who need to be saved (plain people, ignorant people, evil people).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Rather than seeing a number of vibrant companies duking it out for market share, Colony sees a darkling plain where ignorant armies clash by night.

TechCrunch

Because as the first black contender for the presidency who will win, Obama, and all the rest of us, know that he is in great physical danger from the seemingly unlimited reserve of unhinged racial hatred, and just plain unhinged ignorant hatred, that swirls in the bowels of our wounded and sinful country.

Huffington Post

This is, in plain English, so ignorant that, as I say, there has been no shortage of corrections.

The New Yorker

Cannadine is clearly correct that Matthew Arnold's "darkling plain... where ignorant armies clash by night," is receding, and his optimism is both refreshing and necessary.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plain ignorant" to describe a lack of knowledge or understanding that is obvious and uncomplicated. It's suitable when you want to emphasize the simplicity of the ignorance, rather than its depth or complexity.

Common error

While "plain ignorant" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing might come across as overly harsh or informal. Consider using more nuanced alternatives like "uninformed", "unaware", or "lacking knowledge" when writing formally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain ignorant" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, typically a person or group of people. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It directly describes a state of lacking knowledge or understanding in a straightforward manner.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

13%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plain ignorant" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe someone with an obvious and simple lack of knowledge. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability in written English, though it leans toward a neutral to informal register. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving the purpose of expressing a straightforward judgment about someone's lack of understanding. While effective for direct communication, more nuanced alternatives might be preferred in formal settings to avoid sounding overly critical or blunt. Remember to consider your audience and desired level of formality when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply ignorant

Emphasizes the lack of complexity in the ignorance.

utterly ignorant

Stresses the completeness and extent of the ignorance.

blatantly ignorant

Highlights the obviousness and flagrancy of the ignorance.

patently ignorant

Indicates that the ignorance is easily and clearly evident.

completely uninformed

Focuses on the lack of information as the reason for the ignorance.

totally oblivious

Suggests a lack of awareness rather than just knowledge.

woefully unaware

Emphasizes the unfortunate and regrettable nature of the lack of awareness.

demonstrably ignorant

Indicates that the ignorance can be proven or shown.

remarkably uneducated

Highlights a deficiency in formal education as the cause.

noticeably uninformed

Points out that the ignorance is easily observed or detected.

FAQs

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

You can use "plain ignorant" to describe someone who is obviously lacking in knowledge or understanding. For example: "His refusal to learn about the issue shows that he is "plain ignorant" of the facts."

What are some alternatives to saying "plain ignorant"?

You can use alternatives such as "simply ignorant", "utterly ignorant", or "blatantly ignorant" depending on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "plain ignorant" considered formal or informal?

"Plain ignorant" leans towards the informal side. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "uninformed" or "lacking awareness".

What is the difference between "plain ignorant" and just "ignorant"?

The addition of "plain" emphasizes that the ignorance is simple, obvious, and not complicated. It suggests a fundamental lack of understanding rather than a nuanced or complex one.