the plain truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the plain truth" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means the straightforward and honest truth without any embellishments or exaggerations. Example: "I could no longer hide the plain truth from my parents - I had failed my exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Where is the plain truth?

The New Yorker

It is the plain truth.

The New York Times

"He spoke the plain truth.

The New York Times

That's not demagoguery, it's the plain truth.

The New York Times

Are they seeking the plain truth of things?

The New York Times

The plain truth is becoming harder to find.

Independent

But the plain truth is that we don't and, probably, won't.

The New Yorker

The plain truth is that Miss O'Shaughnessy is evil, which makes her his enemy.

The New York Times - Books

I CAN usually count on Pablo to tell me the plain truth.

The New York Times

The plain truth is that drug-induced pleasure is a cruel illusion: it never lasts.

The New York Times - Health

Gibb gets to us by writing everything but the plain truth.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "the plain truth" in situations where subtlety or diplomacy is required. Its directness can sometimes be perceived as blunt or insensitive.

Common error

While effective, overuse of "the plain truth" can make your writing sound repetitive and preachy. Vary your language with synonyms like "the unequivocal truth" or "the simple truth" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the plain truth" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its role in expressing direct and unadorned facts. The term emphasizes transparency and lack of ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the plain truth" is a noun phrase used to express straightforward facts without embellishment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, it is appropriate for many writing contexts. Ludwig's analysis shows that the phrase is commonly used in News & Media but can be found in other contexts as well, such as formal writing. It functions to assert a statement as undeniably true. When seeking alternative phrasing, consider options like "the unequivocal truth" or "the simple truth".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the unequivocal truth

Emphasizes the absolute and undeniable nature of the truth.

the plain fact

Replaces "truth" with "fact", focusing on objective reality.

the plain reality

Similar to "the plain fact", focusing on the actual state of affairs.

the straightforward truth

Highlights the direct and uncomplicated nature of the truth.

the evident truth

Stresses the obvious and easily perceivable nature of the truth.

the ordinary truth

Substitutes "plain" with "ordinary", suggesting a simple, unvarnished truth.

the plain honesty

Replaces "truth" with "honesty", emphasizing the sincerity of the statement.

the plain sincerity

Focuses on the genuine and unfeigned quality of the truth being conveyed.

the simpler truth

Highlights the uncomplicated and easily understandable nature of the truth.

the naked truth

Emphasizes the raw, unadorned nature of the truth, often implying it might be uncomfortable.

FAQs

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

You can use "the plain truth" to introduce a statement of fact that you want to emphasize is straightforward and honest. For example, "The plain truth is, the project is over budget."

What is a similar phrase to "the plain truth"?

Alternatives to "the plain truth" include "the simple truth", "the honest truth", or "the undeniable fact". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "the plain truth"?

It's appropriate to use "the plain truth" when you want to be direct and clear about a fact, especially when it might be unpleasant or difficult to accept. However, consider your audience and the potential impact of your bluntness.

Is "the plain truth" more or less formal than "the truth"?

"The plain truth" is generally perceived as slightly more emphatic than simply saying "the truth". It can add a sense of urgency or importance to the statement, but is still suitable for most contexts.