state plainly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state plainly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to express something clearly and without ambiguity. Example: "In your report, please state plainly the main findings of your research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Senior leaders must state plainly how "don't ask, don't tell" affects recruiting, retention and our ability to develop essential military skills.

The Washington Post

But tossing off a letter to leaders of a foreign state plainly designed to sandbag a president in the middle of negotiations goes far beyond normal procedural disagreements.

The Washington Post

Instead, he should think in peace and quiet about his three most important objectives for the next four years, and then state plainly how he will accomplish them.

The New York Times

The United Jewish Communities owes it to itself and its public to step forward and state plainly what it knows to be true: American Jews are not disappearing.

The New York Times

The city was not alone, however, in saying the union should be asked to state plainly that it would change its ways.

The New York Times

As to whether all pending executions should now be delayed, the appeals court all but challenged the justices to state plainly whether that was the case.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"China is like one giant prison," she states plainly.

The Guardian - Travel

Stated plainly, most pass-through business income consists of wages cloaked as profits for tax purposes.

Stanford University

"There was," he states plainly, "nothing original about his message and Muhammad never claimed there was.

The Guardian - Books

The act, she rightly argued, states plainly that waterways cannot be used for waste disposal.

The New York Times

But he stated plainly, "This is not a withdrawal from politics".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "state plainly" when you want to emphasize honesty and transparency in your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "state plainly" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or even pompous. Opt for simpler phrases like "just say" or "be clear".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state plainly" functions as a verb phrase, modifying a verb to emphasize the manner of speaking or writing. It indicates a direct, clear, and unambiguous expression. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "state plainly" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for advocating clarity and directness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly featured in news and academic sources, it serves to ensure unambiguous communication. When writing, it's best employed in formal contexts for maximum impact and should be replaced in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal. Alternatives like "express clearly" or "put it simply" can be considered for different tones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express clearly

Focuses on the clarity of the expression, rather than the directness.

articulate distinctly

Emphasizes the clarity and precision of the articulation.

convey directly

Highlights the directness of the communication, omitting potential nuances.

communicate unambiguously

Stresses the lack of ambiguity in the communication.

declare openly

Emphasizes the public nature of the statement.

assert unequivocally

Highlights the firmness and decisiveness of the assertion.

specify explicitly

Focuses on the detailed and clear nature of the specification.

indicate directly

Highlights the directness of the indication, omitting potential nuances.

spell out clearly

Implies providing a very detailed and easily understood explanation.

put it simply

Emphasizes the simplification of the message.

FAQs

How to use "state plainly" in a sentence?

You can use "state plainly" to emphasize the need for clear and direct communication. For example, "The report should "state plainly" the facts without any embellishment."

What can I say instead of "state plainly"?

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

Which is correct, "state plainly" or "plainly state"?

"State plainly" and "plainly state" are both grammatically correct, but "state plainly" is more common and natural-sounding in most contexts. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and emphasis.

What's the difference between "state plainly" and "explain clearly"?

"State plainly" emphasizes directness and lack of ambiguity, while "explain clearly" focuses on making something understandable. You "state plainly" facts, and "explain clearly" concepts.