plainly so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plainly so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is clear or obvious. Example: "The evidence presented in the report was plainly so, leaving no room for doubt about the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

VIOLENCE Quite a bit, but always comic and plainly so.

The New York Times

He put it plainly: "So Utah would be what we call a Stand Your Ground state.

The New Yorker

It is plainly so close that whichever side does a better job of getting its supporters to the state's polling places on Tuesday will win.

The New York Times

Much has been said about both speeches and almost all commentary boils down to this: diplomats never speak plainly, so what exactly did each president mean?

The Guardian - Opinion

But how would it be to spend months in the gruelling Broadway system - endless previews, needless hysteria, erratic critics - in the company of a 72-year-old first-time playwright whose agony of grief was plainly so raw?

The Guardian - Books

This is not a philosophy that Republicans can speak plainly, so they find themselves in the disadvantageous position that Democrats held for so long: they have to blur and disguise, to manipulate language into sequences of poll-tested catchwords like "civility" and "bipartisan".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

His opponents plainly think so.

The Economist

The captain plainly had so much advice to offer.

Independent

Labunski plainly thinks so, but Madison did not.

The New York Times - Books

The argument is plainly valid, so discussion focuses on the premises.

SEP

I spoke plainly, and so did she.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plainly so" to succinctly emphasize the self-evidence of a statement, particularly when reinforcing a point or conclusion.

Common error

Avoid using "plainly so" excessively in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sometimes be perceived as slightly informal. Opt for alternatives like "clearly evident" or "patently obvious" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "plainly so" is adverbial, modifying a verb or adjective to emphasize the clarity or obviousness of a statement. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in reinforcing points and conclusions, showing its capacity to underscore self-evidence. It is often used to strengthen an argument or to indicate a lack of ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plainly so" is an adverbial phrase used to emphasize the clarity and obviousness of a statement. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and acceptable. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears primarily in News & Media sources. To avoid overuse, especially in formal contexts, consider alternatives like "clearly evident". Use it strategically to reinforce points and underscore the self-evidence of your assertions. The expert rating is 4.1, confirming consistent usage in reputable sources. Remember, that while mostly correct, this expression is seldom used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly evident

Emphasizes the visibility and ease of understanding, focusing on the evidence supporting the statement.

patently obvious

Highlights the undeniable nature of the fact, suggesting it's self-evident and requires no further proof.

undeniably clear

Stresses the lack of any possible doubt or dispute about the clarity of the situation.

unmistakably apparent

Focuses on the ease with which the fact can be perceived, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

readily apparent

Indicates that something is easily and quickly understood or noticed.

obviously true

Simply states that something is undoubtedly correct or factual.

unquestionably the case

Emphasizes that there is no reason to doubt the truth or validity of the statement.

manifestly clear

Highlights that the clarity of the fact is openly and obviously displayed.

palpably evident

Stresses that something is so obvious it can be almost physically felt or perceived.

distinctly obvious

Focuses on how something is easily distinguishable and understood, leaving no ambiguity.

FAQs

What does "plainly so" mean?

"Plainly so" means that something is clear, obvious, or evident without needing further explanation. It emphasizes the self-evident nature of a statement.

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

You can use "plainly so" to reinforce a point you're making. For example: "The evidence presented was "plainly so", leaving no room for doubt."

What are some alternatives to "plainly so"?

Alternatives include "clearly evident", "patently obvious", or "undeniably clear". Choose the alternative that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

Is "plainly so" formal or informal?

"Plainly so" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal, but can feel less formal in certain academic contexts. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use it.