plain meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

"plain meaning" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: The plaintiff argued that the contract should be interpreted using its plain meaning.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This question of "plain meaning" was crucial.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under the plain meaning rule, there was a coup".

The New York Times

The plain meaning of "summary" belies the Stockholders' interpretation.

Harvard University

The Treasury Department protested that that ignored the law's plain meaning.

The New York Times

The first is the value of following to the letter the plain meaning of he statute.

The New Yorker

Their example and the plain meaning of the First Amendment must decide the current controversy.

The New York Times

The Constitution's plain meaning, so prized by the voters in last week's elections, requires no less.

The New York Times

His interpretations sometimes seemed to contradict the plain meaning of the resolution.

The New York Times

According to his analysis, the "plain meaning" of the statute provides for credit bidding.

The New York Times

And the plain meaning of the language is reinforced by recent legislative history.

Cornell University

The parties disagree over the plain meaning of Section 22(b)(1).

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plain meaning" in legal or contractual contexts, ensure the document is drafted with precision to avoid ambiguity and unintended interpretations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the "plain meaning" is universally understood; always consider the audience and their potential interpretations. Legal disputes often arise from differing understandings of what seems obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain meaning" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in sentences. It refers to the most straightforward and obvious interpretation of a text or statement, without the need for deeper analysis. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plain meaning" signifies the most straightforward interpretation of a text or statement, often used in legal, academic, and general communication contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Its function is to emphasize clarity and directness, promoting an understanding based on the literal sense of the words. While frequently found in News & Media and Academia, it maintains a neutral to formal register. To avoid misinterpretations, consider the audience and potential ambiguities when relying on "plain meaning". Alternatives like "literal interpretation" and "clear meaning" can offer nuanced variations. Understanding the "plain meaning" rule is crucial in law and contract interpretation for avoiding disputes arising from differing interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear meaning

Emphasizes the unambiguity and ease of understanding.

literal interpretation

Focuses specifically on the literal sense of the words used.

straightforward understanding

Focuses on the ease of grasping the intended message.

obvious interpretation

Highlights the lack of need for deeper analysis.

natural reading

Suggests the intuitive and expected understanding.

uncomplicated interpretation

Stresses the simplicity and directness of understanding.

explicit sense

Focuses on the directly stated meaning.

common sense interpretation

Draws on general understanding and reason.

surface reading

Implies understanding based on initial, uncomplicated assessment.

facial meaning

Highlights the immediate and apparent sense.

FAQs

How is "plain meaning" used in legal contexts?

In law, "plain meaning" refers to interpreting statutes or contracts based on the ordinary, everyday meaning of the words, without considering external evidence unless the language is ambiguous.

What are some synonyms for "plain meaning"?

Alternatives include "literal interpretation", "clear meaning", and "obvious interpretation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does the "plain meaning" rule affect contract interpretation?

The "plain meaning" rule dictates that if a contract's language is clear and unambiguous, it should be interpreted based solely on the words themselves, without resorting to extrinsic evidence.

When might the "plain meaning" rule not apply?

The "plain meaning" rule might not apply if the language is ambiguous, technical, or if there's evidence of fraud, duress, or mutual mistake that could affect the true intent behind the words.