plainly untrue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plainly untrue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement or claim that is clearly false or not accurate. Example: "The assertion that the earth is flat is plainly untrue, as overwhelming scientific evidence supports its round shape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

That is plainly untrue.

The New Yorker

Sometimes his remarks have been plainly untrue, as in his speech to the group in Norwalk.

The New York Times

"I've got no inner life," he declares merrily, something that is plainly untrue.

The Guardian

This is a stunning definition, and not just because it is plainly untrue.

The New Yorker

The idea that the upper class sacrificed the sons of the poor is plainly untrue.

The Guardian

"It was all rather distasteful and unfair and plainly untrue," said Alan M. Greenberg, the lawyer for the family.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Patently untrue.

The Guardian - Sport

That is simply untrue.

Independent

This seems manifestly untrue.

The Guardian - Sport

This is simply untrue.

The New York Times

This is patently untrue.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plainly untrue" when you want to emphasize that a statement is not just false, but obviously so, leaving little room for doubt or interpretation. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts where clarity and directness are valued.

Common error

While "plainly untrue" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced and sophisticated alternatives like "demonstrably false" or "empirically unsupported" to maintain a higher level of discourse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plainly untrue" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something as obviously false. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use to refute claims or statements considered factually inaccurate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plainly untrue" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe something that is obviously false. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts, predominantly within News & Media. While effective for direct communication, it may be too informal for highly formal or academic writing where alternatives like "demonstrably false" or "patently false" might be more appropriate. In summary, use "plainly untrue" when you want to clearly and directly refute a statement, emphasizing its obvious lack of truth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blatantly false

Emphasizes the obvious and often intentional nature of the falsehood.

clearly false

Focuses on the clarity and lack of doubt surrounding the falsehood.

patently false

Highlights the indisputable nature of the falsehood.

simply false

Downplays the statement to express falsehood.

manifestly false

Stresses the evident and undeniable nature of the falsehood.

obviously incorrect

Highlights the apparent lack of correctness.

undeniably false

Focuses on the impossibility of denying the falsehood.

categorically untrue

Emphasizes the complete and absolute nature of the falsehood.

demonstrably false

Indicates that the falsehood can be proven wrong.

indisputably incorrect

Highlights the lack of correctness and the impossibility of dispute.

FAQs

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

You can use "plainly untrue" to describe a statement that is obviously false. For example, "The claim that vaccines cause autism is "plainly untrue", as numerous studies have debunked this myth".

What are some alternatives to saying "plainly untrue"?

Alternatives to "plainly untrue" include phrases like "clearly false", "patently false", or "simply false", depending on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "plainly untrue" suitable for formal writing?

While "plainly untrue" is generally acceptable, it might be perceived as too direct for some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "demonstrably false" or "empirically unsupported" for a more sophisticated tone.

What is the difference between "plainly untrue" and "untrue"?

"Untrue" simply means not true. "Plainly untrue" emphasizes that the falsehood is obvious and easily discernible, adding a layer of emphasis to the statement's inaccuracy.