plain reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plain reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a straightforward or clear rationale behind a decision or belief. Example: "The plain reason for the delay was the unexpected weather conditions that affected travel plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

One's devotion to something cannot be truly steadfast until it has withstood moments of doubt, for the plain reason that nothing is perfect — everything on earth is vulnerable to outside forces that can divert it from its intended or natural course.

The New Yorker

Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason—I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other my conscience is captive to the Word of God, I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Isaacson wants it both ways: "I believe his proposal was serious," he writes of the fearsome crossbow, pointing to some thirty preparatory drawings, yet he believes that the design was nevertheless "a work of imagination rather than invention," for the plain reason that it wouldn't have worked — and didn't work, even when constructed by modern engineers, for television, in 2002.

The New Yorker

Nor does a representation always causally interact with what it is about, for the plain reason that what a representation represents may be absent or may not even exist in individual cases.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

They did it for the plain reason that a severely damaged Nixon was wreaking havoc with the GOP's image and agenda.

Huffington Post

They would not listen to plain reason because their hearts were hardened.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The Ashes victory of 2009 was not as celebrated as that four years earlier for plain reasons.

Independent

Apart from the fact that she was a brilliant and astonishing person, there are plain reasons why she should be popular in economically troubled times.

The Guardian - Arts

Another reused source is a c.1731 17200 in some sources ) pamphlet, Plain Reasons for the Growth of Sodomy in England.

Wikipedia

It would be like ignoring the plain reasons for so few black foreign correspondents in journalism; or black spies for that matter certain segregated societies just don't fuck with ebony.

Vice

It would be like ignoring the plain reasons for so few black foreign correspondents in journalism or black spies for that matter certain segregated societies just don't fuck with ebony skin.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plain reason" when you want to emphasize that the justification for something is straightforward and easily understood. It's suitable for situations where a more complex explanation is unnecessary or would be misleading.

Common error

Avoid using "plain reason" when the actual reasons are complex or multifaceted. Using it in such cases can oversimplify the situation and lead to misunderstandings. Instead, opt for a more detailed explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain reason" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces or highlights a straightforward and easily understandable explanation or justification. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plain reason" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a clear and simple explanation or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, including News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using "plain reason", ensure that the actual reasons are indeed straightforward; otherwise, a more detailed explanation may be necessary. Alternatives like "obvious reason" or "simple reason" can be considered for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious reason

Emphasizes the self-evident nature of the reason, making it immediately apparent.

simple reason

Highlights the lack of complexity or elaboration in the explanation.

clear rationale

Focuses on the logical and coherent justification behind a decision or action.

evident justification

Stresses that the justification is easily perceived or understood.

straightforward explanation

Indicates a direct and uncomplicated account of the reason.

uncomplicated motive

Suggests the underlying motivation is simple and easily grasped.

patent explanation

Implies the explanation is so obvious it is almost undeniable.

self-evident cause

Focuses on the cause being obvious without needing further investigation.

transparent motive

Highlights that the underlying driver is open and easily discernible.

readily apparent cause

Emphasizes the cause is easily discovered or noticed.

FAQs

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

You can use "plain reason" to introduce a simple and evident explanation. For instance, "The "plain reason" for the project's delay was the lack of funding."

What are some alternatives to "plain reason"?

Alternatives include "obvious reason", "simple reason", or "clear rationale". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "plain reason"?

While grammatically correct, using "plain reason" might be inappropriate if the actual reasons are complex or nuanced. In such cases, a more detailed or sophisticated explanation would be more suitable.

What's the difference between "plain reason" and "obvious reason"?

While similar, "plain reason" suggests the reason is straightforward and easy to understand, whereas "obvious reason" emphasizes that the reason is easily perceived or evident.