plain reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plain reality" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a situation that is simple, unadorned, or uncomplicated. For example, "The plain reality was that I needed to find a new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

No tears or heartbreak, just plain reality.

The New York Times - Books

"This is just the plain reality of the industry," he said.

The New York Times

Khoury has said that this approach most accurately captures the history he writes about; it is not postmodern literary affect but the plain reality where he comes from.

The New Yorker

Playing fast is a kind of armor: a refutation of the plain reality of aging — all that unregainable enthusiasm and lost muscle mass — and a hard block against a band's lessened cultural importance.

The New York Times - Arts

It's not "enhanced" reality, in the sense that Towie (The Only Way is Essex) is, it's just plain reality; but there is a sense of hyper-reality about it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Her quiet words created a mosaic of everyday life, vivid fragments of plain reality made revelatory by the kind of selfless, unaffected performing Ms. Carlos contributed to Ms. Zollar's 1990 "Praise House," a signature work about a Southern family of female seers that deserves revival, in this church space, for the company's 21st anniversary.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Mr. Wilson communicates the plain realities of the hardship that the men and women in the play endure, and the toll it takes on their spirits.

The New York Times

If you think about entirely computer-generated 3D environments in VR as one extreme, and plain vanilla reality on the other, mixed reality is… well, anywhere in the middle, really.

TechCrunch

Lord Judge, sitting with Mrs Justice Swift and Mr Justice Sweeney, described Munir Hussain's case as one of "true exceptionality" and announced: "The plain, simple reality is that Munir Hussain was acting under the continuing influence of extreme provocation.

Independent

If CBO's model recognized the plain economic reality that a slower path to deficit reduction -- less budget cutting -- would stimulate higher growth, Republicans would have a fit.

Huffington Post

If the 60s had begun with a new dawn as Tottenham's Double winners and Burnley's classicists set exciting standards in pure football, the game entered the 70s under a cloud, bedevilled by ugly tackles from all directions and crabbed by what was described as gamesmanship but was in reality plain cheating.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plain reality" to introduce a statement of fact, especially when contrasting it with perception or expectation. This can add emphasis and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "plain reality" when discussing nuanced or multifaceted issues. The phrase suggests simplicity, which may oversimplify intricate situations and undermine the depth of your analysis.

Linguistic Context

"Plain reality" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It describes a state of affairs directly and without embellishment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Arts

17%

Huffington Post

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plain reality" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to highlight straightforward, factual situations. According to Ludwig AI, it's commonly employed to emphasize accuracy and clarity, often contrasting with misconceptions. While its register is generally neutral, its usage frequency is common, appearing primarily in news and media contexts. To convey similar meanings, consider alternatives like "simple reality", "stark reality", or "cold hard facts", depending on the specific nuance you intend to express. Use "plain reality" to introduce a statement of fact, but avoid it when analyzing highly complex or nuanced issues to prevent oversimplification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simple reality

Focuses on the lack of complexity, emphasizing ease of understanding.

undeniable truth

Emphasizes the irrefutable nature of the reality, suggesting it cannot be disputed.

unvarnished truth

Highlights the lack of embellishment or cosmetic alteration.

stark reality

Highlights the harsh or unpleasant aspect of the reality.

bare facts

Focuses on the essential and unadorned information.

unadorned facts

Indicates the absence of embellishment or decorative details.

naked truth

Stresses the vulnerability and exposure of the reality.

cold hard facts

Emphasizes the objective and often unwelcome nature of the facts.

brute reality

Implies a harsh, forceful, and unyielding nature of the reality.

unembellished facts

Highlights the absence of exaggeration or enhancement.

FAQs

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

Use "plain reality" to emphasize a straightforward or undeniable fact, often in contrast to a misconception or expectation. For example: "The "plain reality" is that the company is facing significant financial challenges".

What are some alternatives to "plain reality"?

Alternatives include "simple reality", "stark reality", or "cold hard facts", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "plain reality" formal or informal?

"Plain reality" is suitable for both neutral and informal contexts. While clear and direct, it's not overly technical or jargony, making it accessible across various communication settings. You can find it used in formal reports and articles, though other alternatives may be preferable.

What's the difference between "plain reality" and "harsh reality"?

"Plain reality" emphasizes straightforwardness and lack of embellishment, while "harsh reality" highlights the unpleasant or difficult aspects of the situation. The former is neutral, the latter is negative.