plain out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plain out" is not considered correct in written English.
Instead, one might use the phrase "plainly" to indicate that something is understood or easily understood. For example: "The instructions were written plainly, so everyone understood what was expected of them."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Throughout the trial, Paula Cooper kept Andre's "Zinc-Zinc Plain (1969)" on view in her gallery.

The New Yorker

Woolf was never here after all, I think, walking through the plain 1960s interior.

The Guardian - Books

The city lies on a sandy plain, 5,738 feet (1,749 metres) above sea level, under barren rocky hills.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These primordially Russian landscapes seen in paintings such as Rye (1878), Far on the Plain (1883), Distant Forest (1884), and The Oaks (1887)—are imbued with folkloric associations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Calatrava has made it plain since last fall that he views the terminal as far more than a commuter rail station.

The New York Times

Yet as arrests elsewhere in the world made plain today, Britain is a link in a much larger chain.

The New York Times

"Fires on the Plain" (1959) tells the grisly story of Japanese soldiers retreating during World War II.

The New York Times

The ironies are no less bitter because they are plain: today, Henrietta's descendents cannot afford health insurance.

The Guardian - Books

"They gather there and then drive to different places here," he said, motioning at the plain 2,000 feet below him.

The New York Times

Israel's prime minister, Ariel Sharon, made it plain today that he was not about to abandon the tactic.

The New York Times

It stands on an open plain 4,500 feet (1,400 metres) above sea level, just east of Mount Sabalān (15,784 feet [4,811 metres]), where cold spells occur until late spring.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "plain out" in formal writing. Instead, opt for adverbs like "plainly", "clearly", or "explicitly" to convey your intended meaning with greater precision and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "plain out" in professional or academic writing. It's often perceived as colloquial and might detract from the clarity and sophistication of your message. Choose more formal alternatives like "clearly" or "explicitly" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain out" is generally considered ungrammatical in standard English. Ludwig AI confirms its lack of acceptance. Therefore it doesn't have a defined grammatical function within accepted linguistic norms.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "plain out" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. Ludwig confirms that it is an ungrammatical form. Therefore, it's best to avoid using it in both formal and informal writing. Instead, opt for alternatives like "plainly", "clearly", or "explicitly" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing. Using grammatically accepted forms will help maintain the credibility and clarity of your message across different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plainly

This is the adverbial form of "plain", indicating something is done clearly and directly. It focuses on the manner of expression.

clearly

Similar to "plainly", it suggests a lack of ambiguity and ease of understanding.

explicitly

This emphasizes that something is stated in a detailed and unambiguous way, leaving no room for interpretation.

outright

Suggests a direct and unambiguous statement or action, often implying boldness or bluntness.

flat out

This is an informal expression meaning directly and without hesitation, often implying speed or intensity.

simply

Indicates ease and lack of complication in understanding or execution.

directly

Suggests a lack of intermediaries or indirectness in communication or action.

unambiguously

Highlights the lack of any possible misinterpretation or confusion.

unequivocally

Emphasizes the absence of any doubt or reservation in a statement or action.

expressly

Similar to "explicitly", but may also suggest a specific instruction or condition.

FAQs

What does it mean if something is "plainly" stated?

If something is "plainly" stated, it means it's expressed clearly and directly, without any ambiguity or hidden meaning. It's easy to understand.

What can I use instead of "plain out"?

Instead of the ungrammatical phrase "plain out", you can use "plainly", "clearly", or "explicitly", depending on the context. These alternatives convey the sense of clarity and directness more effectively.

Is "plain out" ever correct to use?

The phrase "plain out" isn't generally considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use alternatives like "clearly" or "explicitly" to ensure clarity and correctness.

How can I make my writing more plain?

To make your writing more plain, focus on using simple and direct language. Avoid jargon, unnecessary complexity, and convoluted sentence structures. Stating things "plainly" ensures your message is easily understood.