plainly discern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plainly discern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that something is clearly or easily perceived or understood. Example: "The evidence presented in the report allows us to plainly discern the underlying issues affecting the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

For a guy so quick to discern examples of "Obama adulation," it seems bizarre that Kurtz cannot seem to figure out something so plainly obvious.

Huffington Post

Plainly dressed.

Independent

Speak plainly.

The New Yorker

ADDRESS plainly.

The New Yorker

Plainly not.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Plainly saying" entails not plainly saying.

The New York Times - Books

Don't you discern.

The New Yorker

Plainly, it has.

University of California, Berkeley

Plainly 'force, violence or..

Cornell University

This claim plainly fails.

Cornell University

He is plainly clever.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the adverb "plainly" adds value; sometimes, "discern" alone may suffice for conciseness.

Common error

Avoid using "plainly discern" in every situation where you want to express understanding. Overuse can dilute its impact. Instead, vary your language and use simpler terms like "understand" or "recognize" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plainly discern" functions as an adverb-verb combination, modifying the verb "discern" to emphasize the clarity and ease with which something can be perceived or understood. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plainly discern" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the ease and clarity with which something is understood or perceived. However, its usage is relatively infrequent. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's best to use it in contexts where emphasizing the obviousness of understanding is important, while remembering that overuse can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "clearly perceive" or "easily understand" depending on the specific nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly perceive

Emphasizes the clarity of perception.

easily understand

Focuses on the ease of comprehension.

readily recognize

Highlights the speed and ease of recognition.

unmistakably detect

Stresses the lack of ambiguity in the detection.

obviously notice

Implies a high level of obviousness.

distinctly make out

Focuses on the clarity of distinguishing something.

palpably realize

Emphasizes the tangibility of the realization.

transparently see

Suggests that something is seen without any obstruction or obfuscation.

evidently grasp

Implies that the grasping of the concept is evident.

unquestionably ascertain

Highlights that the ascertainment is beyond any doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "plainly discern" in a sentence?

You can use "plainly discern" to indicate that something is easily and clearly understood or perceived. For example, "From the data, we can "clearly discern" a trend."

What are some alternatives to "plainly discern"?

Alternatives include "clearly perceive", "easily understand", or "readily recognize". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "plainly discern" or "clearly discern"?

Both "plainly discern" and "clearly discern" are valid, but "clearly discern" may be more common. The choice depends on the desired emphasis; "plainly" might suggest even greater obviousness.

When should I avoid using "plainly discern"?

Avoid using "plainly discern" in very informal contexts or when simpler language is preferred. It can sometimes sound overly formal or verbose.