What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
evidently
Example
Evidently, the company is going through some financial difficulties. [evidently: adverb]
Example
He was evidently upset by the news. [evidently: adverb]
plainly
Example
She spoke plainly about her intentions. [plainly: adverb]
Example
The instructions were written plainly so that everyone could understand them. [plainly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plainly is more commonly used than evidently in everyday language. Plainly is versatile and can be employed in various contexts, while evidently is less common and is typically used in more formal settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between evidently and plainly?
Evidently is more formal than plainly. While plainly is often used in everyday conversation, evidently is typically reserved for more formal or academic writing.