plainly said

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plainly said" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to emphasize a point or make a statement more clear or straightforward. For example, "The rules are simple - do your work, and you'll pass. Plainly said: work hard and you'll get the result you want."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Let me state it plainly," said Mr. Kerry, a Democratic presidential contender.

The New York Times

America, as Mr Obama more plainly said, thinks Britain is most influential inside the EU, so should not run the risk of leaving it.

The Economist

"There is a tremendous skittishness about discussing this plainly," said one senior administration official who has seen much of the intelligence about China's sales.

The New York Times

"Just a few minutes ago, Governor Bush said that a leader's responsibility is to speak plainly," said the chairman, William M. Daley.

The New York Times

Indeed, in one corner some of the young Tooks and Brandybucks, supposing Uncle Bilbo to have finished (since he had plainly said all that was necessary), now got up an impromptu orchestra, and began a merry dance-tune.

The New York Times - Books

By Richard Armour The New Yorker, September 29 , 1951P. 93 It is not where its sound so plainly said View Article By Jelani Cobb By David Remnick By Joan Acocella By Jia Tolentino.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"Plainly saying" entails not plainly saying.

The New York Times - Books

He stated his motivation plainly, saying, "The public needs to decide whether these programs and policies are right or wrong".

The New York Times

And the statute plainly says that such an alien "may apply for asylum".

The New York Times

The burden, therefore, is on defendant to show that Congress intended the statute to mean something other than what it plainly says.

Harvard University

Both implicated Mr. Posada in the plot in their statements to the police, though they did not plainly say he had planned it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plainly said" to introduce a straightforward explanation after a more complex or nuanced statement to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "plainly said" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and condescending. Opt for synonyms or varied phrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plainly said" functions as a discourse marker, signaling a transition to a more direct or simplified explanation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to emphasize clarity, often following a more complex statement. Examples in Ludwig show its use in news and media, and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plainly said" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, employed to introduce a direct or simplified restatement. It functions as a discourse marker to ensure clarity and understanding, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. While not overly formal, its register is considered neutral. To enhance your writing, use it strategically to clarify complex statements, but avoid overuse to prevent redundancy. Alternatives like "clearly stated" or "to put it simply" can add variety. The phrase should be used judiciously, ensuring that the subsequent statement is genuinely plain and simple.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly stated

Focuses on the clarity of the statement.

explicitly mentioned

Emphasizes that something was mentioned in a very direct and unambiguous way.

directly expressed

Highlights the directness of the expression.

put it simply

Suggests the speaker is simplifying the language used.

to be frank

Indicates the speaker is about to be honest and direct, possibly blunt.

in plain language

Focuses on using straightforward, easy-to-understand terms.

stated unequivocally

Emphasizes there is no doubt or condition attached to the statement.

to put it bluntly

Implies the statement might be harsh or indelicate.

in no uncertain terms

Highlights the clarity and firmness of the statement.

articulated clearly

Focuses on how well the statement was expressed.

FAQs

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

You can use "plainly said" to introduce a more direct or simplified restatement of a previous point. For example, "The company needs to increase revenue and cut costs. "Put simply", we need to make more money and spend less."

What are some alternatives to "plainly said"?

Some alternatives to "plainly said" include "clearly stated", "in other words", or "to put it simply". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more effective to use "plainly said" at the beginning or end of a sentence?

Using "plainly said" at the beginning of a sentence or clause helps introduce a clarification or restatement. It's less common, though not incorrect, to use it at the end.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "plainly said"?

Avoid using "plainly said" in overly formal or academic writing where a more nuanced or sophisticated tone is expected. It can also be inappropriate if the statement following it is not actually plain or simple.