state it plainly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state it plainly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to express something in a clear and straightforward manner without any ambiguity. Example: "When discussing complex topics, it's important to state it plainly so everyone can understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Let me state it plainly," said Mr. Kerry, a Democratic presidential contender.

The New York Times

To state it plainly, the portraits are not flattering.

Forbes

To state it plainly, NOM very aggressively wants to return to the status quo ante in which I was tormented and beaten by anti-gay bullies at school, with no hope of getting anybody to do anything to stop them, and, due to societal anti-gay bigotry, afraid even to tell my own parents that I was a victim and why.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

When he's asked about how he wound up with these traveling companions, he states it plainly.

The New York Times - Books

A minute into the film he states it plainly: "A lot of times, rather than helping people with horse problems, I'm helping horses with people problems".

The New York Times

Sitting in Santa Monica eating high-end raw food, his 100percentt organic cotton shirt states it plainly: "If this is what global warming feels like, I'm against it".

The New York Times

David Attenborough states it plainly and often: "Wherever women are given political control of their bodies, where they have the vote, education, appropriate medical facilities and they can read and have rights and so on, the birth rate falls – there's no exceptions to that".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Harvard admissions office states it plainly: "There is no formula for gaining admission to Harvard".

Forbes

The Harvard admissions office states it plainly: "There is no formula for gaining admission to Harvard". Maybe not.

Forbes

Practically everybody seems to think of life in those terms these days, whether they state it so plainly or not.

The New York Times - Magazine

State it very plainly, "I am going to Susan's, and then Rhonda's house, and then the three of us are going to... ...... Make him understand you want hang out with your friends for the day, and that it has nothing to do with him (or something he's done or something he's NOT done), it is something YOU want to do.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "state it plainly" when you want to emphasize that something should be said directly and without ambiguity, especially when dealing with complex or sensitive topics.

Common error

Avoid using "state it plainly" in highly formal writing where a more sophisticated vocabulary might be expected. Consider alternatives like "articulate clearly" or "express explicitly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state it plainly" functions as a directive, urging someone to express something clearly and without ambiguity. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "state it plainly" is a grammatically sound and direct way to ask for clear communication. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. While relatively rare, its neutral tone makes it suitable for various settings, predominantly in news and media. When you want to ensure understanding and avoid ambiguity, "state it plainly" is a concise directive. However, avoid overuse in very formal settings; opt instead for alternatives like "articulate clearly" or "express explicitly".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put it simply

Focuses on simplifying the expression rather than just stating it directly.

say it directly

Emphasizes the directness of the statement, without implying any simplification.

express it clearly

Highlights the clarity of the expression, focusing on ease of understanding.

make it clear

Shifts the focus to ensuring understanding rather than the act of stating.

be explicit

Implies a thorough and unambiguous explanation, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

spell it out

Suggests providing detailed explanation, often when the audience is perceived as needing more guidance.

lay it on the line

Suggests a candid and potentially blunt revelation of the truth.

get to the point

Highlights the importance of brevity and avoiding unnecessary details.

call a spade a spade

Emphasizes honesty and avoiding euphemisms, even if the truth is unpleasant.

mince no words

Highlights the lack of tact and direct approach in expressing an opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "state it plainly" in a sentence?

You can use "state it plainly" when you want someone to express something in a clear and straightforward manner without any ambiguity. For example, "When discussing complex topics, it's important to "state it plainly" so everyone can understand".

What can I say instead of "state it plainly"?

You can use alternatives like "put it simply", "express it clearly" or "say it directly" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "state it plainly"?

It's appropriate to use "state it plainly" when you need someone to be direct and clear, leaving no room for misinterpretation. It's often used when clarifying a complex issue or addressing a misunderstanding.

Is "state it plainly" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "state it plainly" might sound too informal for some formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "articulate clearly" or "express explicitly" in such situations.