plain question

USAGE SUMMARY

"plain question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when you are making a straightforward, simple inquiry. For example: "What is your name? That's a plain question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

WILDE: You must ask me a plain question.

The New Yorker

"Plain question and plain answer make the shortest road out of most perplexities".

NeuroImage

An Irish leap, or, A pat reply to a plain question [graphic] / Woodward delt.

Yale University

(For details, see the essays of Mark Twain, who believed that "plain question and plain answer make the shortest road out of most perplexities").

The New York Times - Magazine

"The plain question is, how can the CIA be expected to protect this country if it can't even protect itself?" The answer, of course, comes in the form of our heroine, Mathison, who remains stuck in a quagmire of  paranoia, off meds and wringing her hands over yet another attack on American soil she should have prevented.

Independent

A first plain question regarding age-related variations is whether MSC numbers change during adult life span.

Current Opinion in Immunology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This circular letter, dated Feb. 20, 1883 includes a list of "plain questions" possibly submitted by women to the legislators who "represent " them and the answers received.

Duke University

That way, no one would feel awkward about their natural reaction -- whether it was sadness, anger, or just plain questions.

HuffPost

But to her credit Ms. Mason includes amusingly incredulous and wry responses from Reggie Wilson and Donald McKayle, and her plainer questions get some yeasty answers.

The New York Times - Arts

12.30pm: Secretary Gates makes it plain: The question before us is not whether the military prepares to make this change, but how we... best prepare for it.

The Guardian

There is a plain procedural question - and neither Bradney nor Malik goes much beyond this - about how existing courts function and what weight is properly give to the issues we have been discussing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plain question" when you want to emphasize that the question is straightforward and requires a direct answer, avoiding ambiguity or complexity.

Common error

Avoid using overly elaborate language when a "plain question" suffices. If the goal is clarity and directness, keep the wording simple and to the point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain question" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a type of inquiry. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its use in contexts where the simplicity and directness of the question are emphasized. It serves to set expectations for a clear and uncomplicated response.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33.33%

Academia

33.33%

Science

16.67%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plain question" is a grammatically sound and contextually versatile phrase used to denote a straightforward and uncomplicated inquiry. As supported by Ludwig AI, it appears across various domains like news, academia, and science, highlighting its relevance in clear communication. While alternatives exist for specific nuances, using "plain question" effectively emphasizes the simplicity and directness desired in the response. Remember to use this phrase when you seek clarity and wish to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

straightforward question

Emphasizes the directness and lack of ambiguity in the inquiry.

simple question

Highlights the ease and lack of complexity of the question.

direct question

Focuses on the candid and unreserved nature of the question.

basic question

Indicates that the question covers fundamental or elementary aspects.

clear question

Stresses the lucidity and comprehensibility of the question.

uncomplicated question

Highlights the lack of intricate details or convoluted elements in the question.

evident question

Suggests the question is obvious or easily inferred.

obvious question

Implies the question is readily apparent and requires little thought.

regular question

Refers to questions asked in specific or regular context.

unambiguous question

Underlines the precision and lack of potential misinterpretation in the inquiry.

FAQs

What does "plain question" mean?

A "plain question" refers to a question that is straightforward, simple, and easily understood, without any hidden meanings or complexities.

What can I say instead of "plain question"?

You can use alternatives like "straightforward question", "simple question", or "direct question" depending on the specific context.

How is a "plain question" different from a leading question?

A "plain question" seeks an honest and unbiased answer, whereas a leading question is designed to elicit a specific response or confirm a particular viewpoint.

Is "plain question" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "plain question" is appropriate in formal writing when clarity and directness are valued. However, consider using synonyms like "straightforward question" for a slightly more formal tone.