plainly seen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plainly seen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is obvious or easily observable. Example: "The benefits of regular exercise are plainly seen in improved health and well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

In Mr. Foot's view, the Labour Party should be plainly seen as the radical party.

The New Yorker

Its consequences can be plainly seen in the caste systems of ants, termites and other social insects.

The New York Times

Consequently, every situation is crystal clear and its part in the patterning of the structure is plainly seen.

The Guardian

We concur in that view, assuming, of course, that the height and conditions provided for can be plainly seen to be not unreasonable or inappropriate.

Cornell University

In this poem, the precise imagery of faces reflected in a kettle — "misted and revealed" — hints at how these subjects are at once obscured and plainly seen.

The New York Times - Magazine

Since then tattoos of distant cultures have been plainly seen as reflections of ritual and kinship, permanent markers of status and role.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But he plainly saw something novelistic in the subject.

The New Yorker

You can plainly see what Qatar has already done.

The Guardian - Sport

The statistics showed what the eye could plainly see.

The New York Times - Sports

Rats, you can plainly see, are not going to change.

The New York Times

Mr Arafat himself, who was quick to denounce al-Qaeda after September 11th, plainly sees this.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plainly seen" when you want to emphasize that something is easily observable or understandable without needing much analysis or interpretation.

Common error

While "plainly seen" is acceptable, excessive use, especially in formal contexts, can make your writing sound repetitive. Diversify your vocabulary by using alternatives such as "clearly visible" or "readily apparent" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plainly seen" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates that something is easily visible or understood. This phrase is commonly used to emphasize the clarity and obviousness of a particular observation or situation, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

26%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "plainly seen" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate that something is easily visible or understood. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse fields, particularly in news, academic writing, and scientific publications. While it's a useful phrase, remember to consider context and avoid overuse by exploring synonyms like "clearly visible" or "readily apparent" for added nuance and variety. The phrase's neutrality makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings, though careful attention to audience and tone will ensure optimal impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plainly visible

Synonymous, but replaces 'seen' with 'visible'.

clearly visible

Focuses on visual clarity and ease of being seen.

visibly clear

Focuses on visual clarity and ease of seeing.

easily observed

Emphasizes the act of observation and how easily it can be done.

readily apparent

Highlights the ease with which something can be understood or noticed.

obviously noticeable

Stresses the obviousness and ease of noticing something.

distinctly evident

Highlights the distinct and evident nature of something.

unmistakably clear

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity and clarity of something.

patently obvious

Stresses the self-evident and obvious nature of something.

manifestly apparent

Highlights the apparent and easily perceived nature of something.

FAQs

What does "plainly seen" mean?

"Plainly seen" means something is easily visible or obvious, requiring little to no effort to notice or understand. It suggests a clear and unmistakable observation.

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

You can use "plainly seen" to describe something that is easily noticeable or evident. For example, "The effects of the new policy were "plainly seen" in the improved performance metrics."

What are some alternatives to "plainly seen"?

Alternatives to "plainly seen" include "clearly visible", "readily apparent", and "easily observed". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "plainly seen" formal or informal?

"Plainly seen" is generally considered neutral in tone. While acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, it's best to consider your audience and choose the most appropriate language for the situation. More formal alternatives include "manifestly apparent".