this is plain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is plain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is clear, obvious, or straightforward. Example: "In this situation, this is plain; we need to take immediate action to resolve the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

This is plain wrong.

The Guardian

This is plain evidence of ownership.

The Economist

This is plain from the statute.

Harvard University

The application of this is plain.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is plain and simple nonsense, and intolerably arrogant.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indoors or outdoors, this is plain good theater.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"This is plain-vanilla old-fashioned self-dealing," he said.

The New York Times

Almost anyone on Wall Street would say this is plain-vanilla stuff.

The New York Times

"This is plain-vanilla stuff they could have agreed on without holding a meeting," said Simon Johnson, an economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund.

The New York Times

As a statement of fact, this was plain and clear.

The New York Times - Arts

The reasons for this are plain to see.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is plain" to introduce a statement that requires no further explanation or is self-evident. It works well when you want to emphasize the simplicity or obviousness of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "this is plain" when discussing nuanced or complicated topics. It can come across as dismissive or oversimplify complex issues, potentially undermining your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is plain" primarily functions as an evaluative statement, asserting that something is obvious, clear, or easily understood. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates clarity, supported by examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is plain" is a commonly used expression to denote that something is clear, obvious, or easily understood. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English and the tool's analysis reveals its prevalence across various domains, particularly news and media, with neutral formality. While generally acceptable, overusing the phrase in complex arguments should be avoided to maintain credibility. For situations demanding a more formal tone, alternatives like "it is evident" may be more appropriate. The phrase effectively serves to emphasize simplicity and shared understanding in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This is obvious

Replaces "plain" with "obvious", emphasizing the ease of understanding.

This is clear

Substitutes "plain" with "clear", focusing on the lack of ambiguity.

This is evident

Replaces "plain" with "evident", highlighting that something is easily perceived.

It is obvious

Highlights the easiness of understanding something.

It is clear

Emphasizes the easiness of something to be noticed.

It is plain to see

Adds emphasis on the act of perceiving the clarity.

This is straightforward

Indicates simplicity and lack of complications, differing slightly from pure clarity.

This is simple

Focuses on the ease and lack of complexity.

This is manifest

Uses a more formal synonym for 'obvious'.

This is patent

Suggests the clarity is undeniable or officially recognized.

FAQs

What does "this is plain" mean?

The expression "this is plain" means that something is clear, obvious, or easily understood. It suggests that the statement being made requires no further explanation or is self-evident.

How can I use "this is plain" in a sentence?

You can use "this is plain" to introduce a statement or conclusion that is evident. For example: "The evidence clearly points to his guilt; "this is plain"."

What are some alternatives to saying "this is plain"?

Alternatives to "this is plain" include "this is obvious", "this is clear", "it is evident", or "it is obvious". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "this is plain" formal or informal?

"This is plain" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "it is evident" may be preferred in highly formal writing.