plain pleasure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plain pleasure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a simple or straightforward enjoyment of something without any complications or embellishments. Example: "After a long week, I found plain pleasure in sitting on my porch with a good book and a cup of tea."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This will make a good science project for you to use at school and just plain pleasure.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The stories that make up Plain Pleasures, written between 1944 and 1951, are typical in their juxtaposing of domineering and weak women, and frequent preoccupation with moments of psychological crisis.

The Guardian - Books

What lives were like for women in the west for the majority of the 20th century is ably and angrily summed up by Elizabeth Young in her introduction to Plain Pleasures, the collected stories of Jane Bowles.

The Guardian - Books

Direct passions arise immediately from "good or evil, from plain or pleasure;" indirect passions require the "conjunction of other qualities," particularly the interposition of an idea (T II.1.1 276).

SEP

King and her students, Heidi Woofenden and Kaitlyn Baptista, presented their findings in New York at a conference titled "Hidden in Plain Sight: Pleasures, Policy and Politics of Muslim Women and Their Bodies," sponsored by the Muslim Women's Institute for Research and Development.

Huffington Post

Britain's government, after some wavering, may now go ahead and copy Australia's requirement for cigarettes to be sold in ugly, scary "plain packs".Such pleasure-pinching regulation strikes at one of the main ways cigarette companies boost profits: converting smokers to pricier brands.

The Economist

But by the Fourth of July, the pleasure of plain meat may pale, even for me.

The New York Times

He was addressing a full house at Avery Fisher Hall on Monday night, and the grandfatherly twinkle in his eye made it plain that he took pleasure in adding another unlikely chapter to an unlikely career.

The New York Times - Arts

THERE is undeniable pleasure in a plain beef burger — juicy, tender, and well browned over a backyard grill — but there's even more in a jazzed-up one.

The New York Times - Food

The former Milan goalkeeper did praise Buffon and called him a worthy successor but it was plain that he took no pleasure in having his name written out of the history books.

The Guardian - Sport

One of the sources of her charm, I thought, was her plain, almost childlike absorption and pleasure in her own being, her assumption that the whole world was just as she believed it to be, a comforting conviction, and she communicated that sense of comfort to others".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plain pleasure" when you want to emphasize the simplicity and lack of pretension in an enjoyable experience. It is effective in contrasting elaborate or complex forms of enjoyment.

Common error

Avoid using "plain pleasure" excessively in formal writing or professional settings. While grammatically sound, it can sometimes sound too informal or simplistic, especially when more nuanced or sophisticated language might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain pleasure" functions as a noun phrase where "plain" modifies "pleasure", indicating a straightforward or simple kind of enjoyment. Ludwig AI shows it describes experiences or activities without complex or elaborate elements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plain pleasure" describes simple, uncomplicated enjoyment, suitable for neutral to informal contexts. While grammatically correct, Ludwig AI showcases that its usage is relatively rare. It is best used to emphasize the simplicity and lack of pretension in an enjoyable experience, differentiating it from more complex or elaborate forms of gratification. Consider alternatives like "simple joy" or "pure enjoyment" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple joy

Focuses on the emotional aspect of happiness, emphasizing uncomplicated delight.

pure enjoyment

Highlights the unadulterated nature of the pleasure, suggesting a lack of negative elements.

unadulterated delight

Similar to "pure enjoyment" but with a stronger emphasis on the intensity of the happiness.

basic satisfaction

Emphasizes the fulfillment of fundamental needs or desires, suggesting a more grounded pleasure.

sheer gratification

Highlights the sense of being pleased or satisfied, often in a more immediate or sensory way.

uncomplicated happiness

Stresses the absence of difficulty or complexity in the experience of joy.

modest contentment

Suggests a subdued form of pleasure, focusing on a sense of peaceful satisfaction.

mild amusement

Refers to a gentle, lighthearted form of pleasure, often derived from something humorous or entertaining.

gentle satisfaction

Like "modest contentment", it describes a low-key pleasure, focused on comfort and ease.

easy enjoyment

Focuses on the accessibility and lack of effort required to experience pleasure.

FAQs

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

You can use "plain pleasure" to describe simple, uncomplicated enjoyment, as in "After a busy day, I find "plain pleasure" in reading a good book".

What is a good substitute for "plain pleasure"?

Alternatives to "plain pleasure" include "simple joy", "pure enjoyment", or "basic satisfaction", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "plain pleasure" and "simple pleasure"?

While similar, "plain pleasure" emphasizes the lack of embellishment or complexity in the enjoyment, whereas "simple pleasure" focuses on the straightforward nature of the source of joy. They are often interchangeable, but "plain" can suggest a more unadorned or unpretentious quality.

Can "plain pleasure" be used in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "plain pleasure" might be more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "uncomplicated enjoyment" or "basic satisfaction" for a more professional tone.