the plain reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the plain reality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a straightforward or unembellished truth about a situation. Example: "While many may have different opinions, the plain reality is that we need to address climate change urgently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"This is just the plain reality of the industry," he said.

The New York Times

Khoury has said that this approach most accurately captures the history he writes about; it is not postmodern literary affect but the plain reality where he comes from.

The New Yorker

Playing fast is a kind of armor: a refutation of the plain reality of aging — all that unregainable enthusiasm and lost muscle mass — and a hard block against a band's lessened cultural importance.

The New York Times - Arts

After all, does the colour black genuinely have any connection to the plain reality of death?

Vice

The plain reality is that we did not fall in love with our significant other's group members.

Huffington Post

You've probably read that the European Union, after years of trying to duck the plain reality of Poland and Hungary ceasing to be democracies, has taken the first step towards denying Poland a vote in the European Commission.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mr. Wilson communicates the plain realities of the hardship that the men and women in the play endure, and the toll it takes on their spirits.

The New York Times

Her quiet words created a mosaic of everyday life, vivid fragments of plain reality made revelatory by the kind of selfless, unaffected performing Ms. Carlos contributed to Ms. Zollar's 1990 "Praise House," a signature work about a Southern family of female seers that deserves revival, in this church space, for the company's 21st anniversary.

The New York Times - Arts

It's not "enhanced" reality, in the sense that Towie (The Only Way is Essex) is, it's just plain reality; but there is a sense of hyper-reality about it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Lord Judge, sitting with Mrs Justice Swift and Mr Justice Sweeney, described Munir Hussain's case as one of "true exceptionality" and announced: "The plain, simple reality is that Munir Hussain was acting under the continuing influence of extreme provocation.

Independent

If CBO's model recognized the plain economic reality that a slower path to deficit reduction -- less budget cutting -- would stimulate higher growth, Republicans would have a fit.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the plain reality" to present a situation without embellishment or emotional coloring, aiming for clarity and directness.

Common error

Avoid using "the plain reality" when the situation requires sensitivity or empathy. Its bluntness can be perceived as dismissive or insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the plain reality" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It presents a straightforward and unadorned version of the truth or actual situation, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the plain reality" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize a straightforward, unembellished truth. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving to present an objective view of a situation. While useful for clarity, it's important to consider the tone of the situation and ensure its directness doesn't come across as insensitive. Alternatives like "the stark reality" or "the simple truth" might be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the stark reality

Focuses on the harsh or severe nature of the reality.

the simple truth

Emphasizes the lack of complexity in the truth.

the undeniable fact

Highlights that the fact cannot be disputed or denied.

the cold hard truth

Emphasizes the unpleasant and unvarnished nature of the truth.

the brutal truth

Highlights the harsh or painful aspect of the truth.

the unvarnished truth

Emphasizes the lack of embellishment or exaggeration.

the naked truth

Similar to unvarnished truth, emphasizing lack of concealment.

the basic reality

Focuses on the fundamental or essential nature of the reality.

the fundamental truth

Highlights the foundational importance of the truth.

the unadorned truth

Stresses the lack of embellishment in the truth.

FAQs

How can I use "the plain reality" in a sentence?

Use "the plain reality" to introduce a statement that is straightforward and factual. For example: "The debate may continue, but "the plain reality" is that resources are finite."

What are some alternatives to "the plain reality"?

You can use alternatives like "the stark reality", "the simple truth", or "the undeniable fact" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "the plain reality" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "the plain reality" can sometimes sound blunt. Consider the tone of your writing and whether a more nuanced phrase would be more suitable.

What is the difference between "the plain reality" and "the simple reality"?

While similar, "the plain reality" emphasizes the lack of embellishment or complexity, while "the simple reality" highlights the lack of complication or difficulty.