plainly put

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plainly put" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express something in a clear and straightforward manner, often to simplify a complex idea. Example: "Plainly put, we need to increase our sales by 20% to meet our annual targets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Plainly put, his influence permeates Alien.

The Guardian - Film

Plainly put, I'm very, very sad.

The New Yorker

Plainly put, prisoners often lose their minds".

The New York Times

Plainly put, without Speyer no Proms.

The Guardian - Music

"It was a stunt, plainly put," Sullivan writes.

The New York Times - Books

Her other frustration is just as plainly put.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

On the other hand, the current system plainly puts the intelligence services second.Few in Washington expect radicalism from the new joint congressional committee.

The Economist

As Stacy plainly puts it, "No disrespect to the other fighters but everyone loves to watch two girls fighting in a cage".

Vice

Chris Phelps and Zak Walters find superb meat and cook it plainly, putting up their own bacon and charcuterie, often seasoning with no more than salt, pepper, vinegar and herbs.

Los Angeles Times

Plainly and simply put, it is the right thing to do.

Huffington Post

On the other hand, Mrs Clinton is plainly being put through the political ringer in New York.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "plainly put", ensure that the subsequent statement is genuinely straightforward and avoids jargon or overly technical language to effectively clarify the preceding content.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "plainly put", as this can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Vary your transitional phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plainly put" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a sentence adverbial. According to Ludwig, it introduces a statement that simplifies or clarifies what has been previously stated, acting as a discourse marker to guide the reader's understanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plainly put" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce a simplified or clarified explanation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, especially in news and media, science, and formal business writing. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity and engagement. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "in simple terms" or "to put it simply" for similar effect. Remember that using "plainly put" enhances understanding by signaling a direct and uncomplicated explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply put

Reorders the words but retains the same meaning and emphasis.

to put it simply

Emphasizes brevity and ease of understanding.

in simple terms

Focuses on simplifying complex ideas.

to be clear

Highlights the intention to avoid ambiguity.

in other words

Indicates a restatement for clarification.

in layman's terms

Specifies the use of non-technical language.

to put it another way

Suggests an alternative formulation of the same idea.

basically

Indicates the fundamental aspects of a topic.

essentially

Highlights the core or most important element.

in short

Condenses a longer explanation into a concise statement.

FAQs

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

Use "plainly put" to introduce a straightforward explanation of a complex topic. For example, "The economic situation is dire; "plainly put", we are facing a recession".

What are some alternatives to "plainly put"?

You can use alternatives like "in simple terms", "to put it simply", or "in other words" to introduce a clear explanation.

Is "plainly put" formal or informal?

"Plainly put" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall style of the writing.

What's the difference between "simply put" and "plainly put"?

The phrases "simply put" and "plainly put" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.