quite plainly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite plainly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize clarity or straightforwardness in communication. Example: "The results of the experiment were quite plainly indicative of the hypothesis being correct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dr. Borukhova appears to be, quite plainly, guilty.

The New York Times - Books

We've actually stated this quite plainly in our statement.

The New York Times

The law, in this instance, is quite plainly an ass.

The Guardian - Sport

THE voters, quite plainly, are in a restive, perhaps even angry mood.

The Economist

And of global policies that kill, torture, starve, and debase, Francis said quite plainly: Stop.

The New Yorker

As a compliment to Fletcher this is all quite plainly of the back-handed variety.

Independent

Quite plainly petitioner was seeking to keep his constitutional grounds intact.

Cornell University

Their thick, leathery skin is quite plainly an adaptation against the heat of the custard.

The Guardian

There's quite plainly a very primal nature to this issue that touches people very deeply".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, in 1991 he declared: "I say quite plainly, when I come to power there will be a dictatorship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It does not mean we suspend our support for autonomy and human rights: quite plainly we do not.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quite plainly", consider the audience and context. While generally acceptable, it may not be appropriate for highly informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "quite plainly" in overly casual conversations or informal writing where a simpler word like "clearly" or "obviously" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

"Quite plainly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which something is stated or understood. It emphasizes the clarity and directness of the statement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "quite plainly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to highlight clarity and straightforwardness in communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adheres to standard grammar rules and is widely accepted. While its usage spans diverse contexts, it is most prevalent in news and media, followed by academic and scientific writing. When choosing to use "quite plainly", be mindful of the context, avoiding overuse in highly informal settings. Alternatives such as "clearly", "obviously", and "unmistakably" can offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly

This alternative is a single-word synonym, offering a more concise way to express the same idea.

obviously

This alternative implies that something is easily perceived or understood.

unmistakably

This emphasizes the lack of ambiguity or doubt.

patently

This suggests that something is undeniably evident.

undeniably

This emphasizes that something cannot be denied or disputed.

without a doubt

This phrase conveys a strong sense of certainty.

in no uncertain terms

This implies that something is expressed directly and forcefully.

it is clear that

This is a more verbose way of stating something is obvious

plainly speaking

Adds a conversational tone, emphasizing directness.

in simple terms

This emphasizes the absence of complexity or jargon.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite plainly" to emphasize clarity or straightforwardness. For example, "The evidence, "quite plainly", demonstrates the need for further investigation."

What alternatives can I use instead of "quite plainly"?

You can use alternatives such as "clearly", "obviously", or "unmistakably" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "quite plainly" and "plainly"?

"Quite plainly" adds a degree of emphasis that "plainly" alone might lack. The addition of "quite" intensifies the sense of clarity or obviousness.

When is it appropriate to use "quite plainly" in writing?

It's suitable in situations where you want to underscore that something is easily understood or evident, adding a touch of formality and emphasis to your statement. Consider the context and avoid overuse in informal settings.