plain truth

USAGE SUMMARY

'plain truth' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize that something is the honest truth, or when you are emphasizing the fact that something is obvious. Here is an example: "The plain truth is that most of us could be doing more to help the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Sincerity and plain truth?

The New Yorker

It's the plain truth.

The Washington Post

Where is the plain truth?

The New Yorker

It is the plain truth.

The New York Times

"He spoke the plain truth.

The New York Times

That's the plain plain plain truth.

The New Yorker

That's not demagoguery, it's the plain truth.

The New York Times

This plain truth is also a piece of misdirection.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's time for some plain truth-telling.

Huffington Post

Belnap has strongly emphasized the distinction between what he calls 'plain truth' and 'settled truth'.

SEP

Rhetoric has become a designation for the ways in which the plain truth gets dressed up unnecessarily and even deceptively.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plain truth" when you want to emphasize the straightforward and easily understood nature of a fact or situation. It's best used when dispelling misconceptions or presenting something without unnecessary complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "plain truth" excessively in formal or academic writing. While effective for emphasis, overuse can make your writing sound simplistic or condescending. Opt for more nuanced language or specific details to convey honesty and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain truth" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or appositive to emphasize the straightforward and undeniable nature of a statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plain truth" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize clarity and honesty in a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Analysis reveals it's most frequently used in News & Media and Academia contexts. While alternatives like "unvarnished truth" or "simple fact" exist, "plain truth" strikes a balance between directness and accessibility. Remember to avoid overusing it in formal settings to maintain a nuanced tone. By following this guidance, you can effectively harness the power of the "plain truth" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unvarnished truth

Focuses on the idea of truth without embellishment or distortion.

honest reality

Emphasizes the genuine and factual nature of the situation.

simple fact

Highlights the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the truth.

naked truth

Suggests a truth that is raw, exposed, and undeniable.

unadorned fact

Stresses the lack of decoration or embellishment of the factual information.

brutal honesty

Highlights the potential harshness or unpleasantness of the truth.

undeniable reality

Emphasizes the irrefutable nature of the reality being presented.

stark reality

Focuses on the bleak or harsh aspects of the actual situation.

honest assessment

Highlights a sincere and impartial evaluation of a situation.

forthright account

Implies a direct and candid description of events or circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "plain truth" to introduce an undeniable fact or to emphasize the honesty of a statement. For example, "The plain truth is, the project is over budget".

What are some alternatives to saying "plain truth"?

You can use alternatives like "unvarnished truth", "simple fact", or "honest reality" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "plain truth" or "the truth"?

"Plain truth" emphasizes the clarity and simplicity of the truth, whereas "the truth" is a more general term. Use "plain truth" when you want to highlight that the truth is easily understood or has been obscured.

What's the difference between "plain truth" and "absolute truth"?

"Plain truth" refers to a truth that is easily understood and straightforward, while "absolute truth" suggests a truth that is universally valid and unchanging.