plainly and intelligibly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plainly and intelligibly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that something should be expressed in a clear and understandable manner. Example: "Please explain the procedure plainly and intelligibly so that everyone can follow it without confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Judgments are made available quickly and intelligibly.

The Economist

Until we are told by the government what, precisely and intelligibly, is intended to be caught up in the annoying word "metadata", we cannot know whether to be reassured or alarmed.

The Guardian - Opinion

He speaks plainly and extemporaneously.

The Washington Post

He spoke of policy plainly and well.

The New Yorker

The international community should speak out plainly and act firmly.

The New York Times

The context is plainly and reach of traditional farms and livestocks.

City, Territory and Architecture

She speaks plainly and honestly.

Huffington Post

I spoke plainly, and so did she.

Huffington Post

This is plainly and demonstrably false.

HuffPost

He speaks very plainly and very directly.

HuffPost

Mom's strict rule stated plainly and innocently.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plainly and intelligibly", ensure that the context requires emphasis on both ease of understanding and lack of ambiguity. Overuse can make writing sound repetitive, so consider synonyms for varied expression.

Common error

Avoid using "plainly and intelligibly" in situations where simple clarity would suffice. The phrase is best suited for complex subjects needing extremely clear explanations, not for everyday instructions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plainly and intelligibly" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and emphasizes clarity in communication. It specifies how something should be expressed or understood.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plainly and intelligibly" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the importance of clear and easily understandable communication. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase functions as an adverbial modifier. It's most suitable for contexts where avoiding ambiguity is crucial, such as technical instructions or legal documents. While acceptable, the phrase isn't very common and should be used judiciously to avoid redundancy. Alternatives like "clearly and understandably" or "simply and clearly" may be more appropriate in some situations. Although its occurrences are rare, "plainly and intelligibly" can be valuable when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Clearly and understandably

Focuses on the ease with which something can be understood; more common and versatile.

Simply and clearly

Emphasizes simplicity alongside clarity, making it suitable for contexts where straightforwardness is key.

In clear and simple terms

Highlights the act of expressing something using uncomplicated language.

In layman's terms

Indicates the explanation is tailored for someone without specialized knowledge.

Without ambiguity

Focuses on the removal of doubt or uncertainty in communication.

In a straightforward manner

Emphasizes the directness and honesty of the communication.

Precisely and comprehensibly

Highlights both accuracy and the capacity to be fully understood.

Unambiguously and accessibly

Focuses on ensuring the message is not only clear but also reachable by a wide audience.

Directly and understandably

Highlights the directness and the ease with which something can be understood.

Lucidly and understandably

Implies a high degree of clarity and coherence, making the message easy to follow.

FAQs

How can I use "plainly and intelligibly" in a sentence?

Use "plainly and intelligibly" when you want to emphasize that something should be explained in a clear and easily understandable manner, leaving no room for confusion. For example: "The instructions should be written "plainly and intelligibly" so that anyone can follow them."

What are some alternatives to "plainly and intelligibly"?

You can use alternatives like "clearly and understandably", "simply and clearly", or "in clear and simple terms" depending on the specific context.

What does "plainly and intelligibly" mean?

"Plainly and intelligibly" means expressing something in a way that is both easy to understand and free from ambiguity. It emphasizes the need for clarity and straightforwardness in communication.

Is it redundant to say "plainly and intelligibly"?

While both words emphasize clarity, "plainly" focuses on the simplicity of the language used, while "intelligibly" focuses on the ease of understanding. Using them together reinforces the need for both simple language and clear comprehension, so in some contexts it's useful and not completely redundant.