“Plains” or “Planes”—Which to use?

“Plains” or “Planes”

Overview

plains / planes are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

plains: (noun) extensive tract of level open land.

planes: (noun) (mathematics) an unbounded two-dimensional shape. (noun) a level of existence or development. (noun) a power tool for smoothing or shaping wood. (noun) a carpenter's hand tool with an adjustable blade for smoothing or shaping wood. (verb) cut or remove with or as if with a plane. (verb) travel on the surface of water. (verb) make even or smooth, with or as with a carpenter's plane.

Pronunciation

plains: p·l·EY·n·z

planes: p·l·EY·n·z

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Examples in Context

Examples of “plains”

…is situated in the High Plains east of the Rocky Mountains.
…Carpet Company and Canada's Great Plains Oil.
…today called the Midwest and Plains States of the U.S., pathways…
…that agriculture occurred on the plains, there are no terraces, structures,…
…1879, initially met at the Plains paddock, then at Woodlands (TL…
…the United States and southern Plains Indian tribes in October 1867
123: Plains of Fire (May 2008)
…located in the Northern Great Plains and three different geographical microregions…
He rode on the Plains while holding a rifle in…
…the same year for White Plains.

Examples of “planes”

…were planning to introduce larger planes than the Boeing 747.
…on the map and spotter planes which can be used to…
Heroes can ride air planes and helicopters if necessary, although…
…United States, including bombers, pursuit planes, tanks, propelled guns, howitzers, radar…
…than fewer flights on larger planes, United Airlines observed the A380…
…Battle of Nur Shams British planes attacked Arab irregulars with machine…
3 Fokker C.V.D reconnaissance planes from Sweden
2 Koolhoven F.K.52 reconnaissance planes and 1 Douglas DC-2 transport…
12 Westland Lysander reconnaissance planes from United Kingdom
…created, the airport gates allowing planes up to wingspan and length…

(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)

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