plainly stated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plainly stated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that something has been expressed clearly and without ambiguity. Example: "The terms of the agreement were plainly stated in the contract, leaving no room for misunderstanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The threat was plainly stated in documents disclosed by the commission.

The New York Times

Not that any sexual act is ever mentioned; very little in Murasaki Shikibu's prose is plainly stated.

The New Yorker

In his speech tonight, General Musharraf plainly stated that the Kashmir cause could not justify the use of terrorism.

The New York Times

"It was plainly stated that if you want to get anywhere in this place, this is how it is".

The New York Times

His descriptions of the care and skill necessary for basic helicopter operations are plainly stated yet fascinating.

The New York Times - Books

The cop had written down that the car was a gold Toyota, whereas the vehicle registration plainly stated that it was gray.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

She plainly states that it is not sharia law she is fighting; she simply wants to receive justice.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bill O'Reilly went so far as to plainly state that the football players were not "smart enough to know what they're doing".

The Guardian - Opinion

We Mac users would be wasting our time getting in touch with Juno since, as their Web site plainly states, it does not offer a Mac version.

The New York Times - Tech

Gemma says that had LV= written to her to plainly state that an alarm was required for cover, then she would have taken the appropriate action.

The Guardian - Money

By plainly stating the health risks of smoking, the company is also trying to protect itself against future litigation from consumers who may be taking up the habit now.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When explaining complex information, follow it up with a "plainly stated" summary to ensure everyone understands.

Common error

Avoid relying on "plainly stated" repeatedly in a single text. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Opt for a variety of expressions like "clearly expressed" or "explicitly stated" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plainly stated" functions as an introductory phrase or discourse marker. It signals that what follows is a direct and unambiguous explanation or assertion. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "plainly stated" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to introduce a clear and direct explanation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its function as an introductory phrase. Its communicative purpose is to ensure clarity, and it is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. While very common in news and media, as well as scientific writing, it is important to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "explicitly stated" or "clearly expressed" for improved writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explicitly stated

Emphasizes clarity and precision, often used in formal contexts.

openly stated

Highlights the lack of concealment or reservation in the statement.

clearly expressed

Focuses on the ease with which the information is understood.

frankly expressed

Suggests honesty and directness, even if potentially blunt.

directly articulated

Emphasizes a straight-to-the-point and unambiguous expression.

unambiguously conveyed

Highlights the absence of any possible misinterpretation.

unequivocally declared

Stresses the firmness and decisiveness of the statement.

simply put

Indicates a simplification of complex information for clarity.

in no uncertain terms

Highlights the clarity and forcefulness of a declaration.

point blank

Implies a stark and uncompromising manner of speaking.

FAQs

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

"Plainly stated" is often used to introduce a clear and direct explanation. For example, "Plainly stated, the budget cuts will affect all departments."

What are some alternatives to "plainly stated"?

You can use alternatives like "clearly expressed", "explicitly stated", or "simply put depending on the context".

Is it always appropriate to use "plainly stated"?

While generally appropriate, "plainly stated" may sound too blunt in highly sensitive or informal situations. Consider the audience and context before using it.

What's the difference between "plainly stated" and "explicitly stated"?

"Plainly stated" suggests a straightforward explanation, while "explicitly stated" implies that something is expressed in a very clear and detailed manner, leaving no room for ambiguity.